Two presentations to share findings from Saluda Grade Trail study

FOOTHILLS—After a year-long, in-depth study of the proposed Saluda Grade Trail, two presentations will be held next month to share its findings. Organizers invite the public to attend and learn more about this project.

The North Carolina meeting will be held on August 6 at Polk County High School at 6 p.m., and the South Carolina meeting will be held on August 13 at the Gramling United Methodist Church in Inman at 6 p.m.

The Saluda Grade Trail study was conducted by the firm TPD, Inc., which will present the findings. Leaders from the coalition of nonprofits spearheading the proposed 31-mile rail trail will also be present. The nonprofits Conserving Carolina, PAL, and Upstate Forever formed the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy to advance the trail.

Organizers say the presentations will address the findings from public input, such as community goals and concerns, and will cover the rail-to-trail development process. Topics of the presentations will also include the existing condition of the trail corridor and bridges, trail design and safety recommendations from the engineering team, and projected regional economic impacts of the Saluda Grade Trail.

“TPD was very excited to bring together a team of experienced professionals to develop the feasibility study for the iconic Saluda Grade rail line in conjunction with this group of visionary partners,” said Teresa Buckwalter, a multimodal transportation planner with TPD, Inc. “The feasibility study, which acts as a roadmap for implementation before the design phase, will assist the partners and stakeholders to identify challenges and seek funding to make the vision for this regional asset a reality.”

To learn more about the Saluda Grade Trail, visit saludagradetrail.org.

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