Future Saluda Grade Rail Trail property purchased for $28.5M
After decades of dreaming and three years of concerted negotiations, the sale of 31.5 miles of rail corridor that will become the Saluda Grade Rail Trail was finalized June 17, moving the project a significant step toward becoming a reality.
The $28.5 million sale was announced by the Saluda Grade Trail Conservancy, a coalition of three nonprofits in both Carolinas which have been negotiating with Norfolk Southern since 2022 to secure the land for the future trail.
The trail will follow the Saluda Grade rail line, the steepest mainline rail route in the U.S., and connect communities in northern Spartanburg County in South Carolina and communities in Polk and Henderson counties in North Carolina.
With the land purchase complete, trail partners are now focused on next steps. These include raising millions of dollars for construction and engaging communities along the trail in planning and design. The timeline for opening the trail will depend on many factors, including the availability of federal and state grants, which are the most likely source of funds for construction.
The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy is a coalition formed by three local nonprofits — Conserving Carolina; PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well; and Upstate Forever. This coalition went under contract on the rail line last summer and had one year to finalize the purchase. Moving forward, the Saluda Grade Trail project will be led by Conserving Carolina and PAL.
The bulk of the purchase price was funded by appropriations secured for the project by the legislatures in both Carolinas. Additional funding was provided by the South Carolina Conservation Bank, the federal Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies, the Polk County Community Foundation and private donors.
For more information or to sign up for updates, go to saludagradetrail.org.
The post Future Saluda Grade Rail Trail property purchased for $28.5M appeared first on GREENVILLE JOURNAL.
