Background:
McDowell County opened Greenlee Park on Old Greenlee Road west of Marion in 2019. This park replaced prior improvements that had been built on the property dating to the early 1990's. Greenlee Park features two picnic shelters, a canoe access, bank fishing areas, and a paved walking trail. The paved trail has been officially designated as part of Fonta Flora State Trail. There have been long-standing plans to connect this portion of the Fonta Flora State Trail to existing segments north of US 70 and to extend the trail westward.
Project Information:
McDowell County was approved for NC Department of Transportation funding for a greenway extension in 2019. NCDOT funding was approved for an extension from Resistoflex Road to Roby Conley Road. An engineering firm was selected in 2021. The firm has been overseeing the permitting and design since that time.
Funding:
The NC Department of Transportation has allocated $2,958,400 for the project, which will be matched with $739,100 in local funds. The local monies come from American Rescue Plan Act funds provided to McDowell County.
Timeline:
Construction should start on the trail extension in 2025 with construction lasting into late 2026 or into early 2027.
