(March 16, 2017) Updating a riverside nature trail in Pocomoke City’s Cypress Park is inching closer to reality, following the State Highway Administration’s initial approval of a $40,000 grant application through the National Recreation Trails Program last month.
City Manager/City Attorney Ernie Crofoot reviewed the award letter and memorandum of understanding for a more than 1,860-foot long, four-foot wide trail along the Pocomoke River at the city council meeting last Monday.
“The SHA sent out award letters and approves them in batches,” he said. “We are waiting for final acceptance.”
Full SHA approval is contingent on Pocomoke submitting a detailed location map, timeline and budget plan, Crofoot said.
The memorandum specifies Trex composite decking, which is made from 95 percent reclaimed wood, sawdust and recycled plastics, would be used for the project.
“It lasts multiple times longer than wood and won’t rot after three storms,” Crofoot said. “We would use timber for the sub base potentially.”
Crofoot said Pocomoke would contribute just over $19,000 towards the project, with the final cost at about $59,000.
As part of the memorandum with SHA, the town is mandated to meet National Environmental Protection Act regulations and must complete the project within four years of approval.
Crofoot said handicapped accessibility would be improved by the project, but noted some sections were not in dire need of repair.
“There are stretches that are in good shape,” he said.
He also said the project would improve access to a popular fishing spot, specifically where the inlet from the river forms a large pond near Winter Quarters Golf Course.
Crofoot said final approval would not be granted until Pocomoke fully executes the memorandum, at which time a notice to proceed would be issued for the project.
City Manager/City Attorney Ernie Crofoot reviewed the award letter and memorandum of understanding for a more than 1,860-foot long, four-foot wide trail along the Pocomoke River at the city council meeting last Monday.
“The SHA sent out award letters and approves them in batches,” he said. “We are waiting for final acceptance.”
Full SHA approval is contingent on Pocomoke submitting a detailed location map, timeline and budget plan, Crofoot said.
The memorandum specifies Trex composite decking, which is made from 95 percent reclaimed wood, sawdust and recycled plastics, would be used for the project.
“It lasts multiple times longer than wood and won’t rot after three storms,” Crofoot said. “We would use timber for the sub base potentially.”
Crofoot said Pocomoke would contribute just over $19,000 towards the project, with the final cost at about $59,000.
As part of the memorandum with SHA, the town is mandated to meet National Environmental Protection Act regulations and must complete the project within four years of approval.
Crofoot said handicapped accessibility would be improved by the project, but noted some sections were not in dire need of repair.
“There are stretches that are in good shape,” he said.
He also said the project would improve access to a popular fishing spot, specifically where the inlet from the river forms a large pond near Winter Quarters Golf Course.
Crofoot said final approval would not be granted until Pocomoke fully executes the memorandum, at which time a notice to proceed would be issued for the project.