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Augusta city leaders have agreed to pursue ownership of 5.5 miles of abandoned Frisco railroad right-of-way between the Whitewater River and Meadowlark Road.
Augusta Mayor Kristey Williams reported to the Augusta City Council Tuesday night that Andover Mayor Ben Lawrence and City Administrator Sasha Stiles support sharing the rail right-of-way.
It is felt that joint ownership would be “in the best interests” of both communities.
Augusta has the designated trail manager for the railroad right of way trough the community to the Whitewater River. Likewise, Andover is manager of the railroad right-of-way west of Meadowlark Road.
The 5.5 miles is within the growth area of the respective communities.
Mayor Williams was authorize continue discussions with Andover leaders.
Two primary reasons for the acquisition include a future recreational bike/walking trail connecting the two communities and a utility easement where utilities could be extended west into the growth area.
Augusta and Andover view this is a a development opportunity. If there is no acquistion of the rail right-of-way by governmental units, the land would revert to the adjacent property owners.
Carl Dennett of rural Augusta appeared before the local council to express concern about the railroad right-of-way annexation and expenses that might be assessed adjacent property owners for utility services.
The mayor told Dennett there were details to be worked out with the Augusta-Andover acquisition plan and utility extensions in the growth area could be 10 to 15 years away. She said citizens could be assessed as part of a future utilities benefit district.
Augusta city leaders have agreed to pursue ownership of 5.5 miles of abandoned Frisco railroad right-of-way between the Whitewater River and Meadowlark Road.
Augusta Mayor Kristey Williams reported to the Augusta City Council Tuesday night that Andover Mayor Ben Lawrence and City Administrator Sasha Stiles support sharing the rail right-of-way.
It is felt that joint ownership would be “in the best interests” of both communities.
Augusta has the designated trail manager for the railroad right of way trough the community to the Whitewater River. Likewise, Andover is manager of the railroad right-of-way west of Meadowlark Road.
The 5.5 miles is within the growth area of the respective communities.
Mayor Williams was authorize continue discussions with Andover leaders.
Two primary reasons for the acquisition include a future recreational bike/walking trail connecting the two communities and a utility easement where utilities could be extended west into the growth area.
Augusta and Andover view this is a a development opportunity. If there is no acquistion of the rail right-of-way by governmental units, the land would revert to the adjacent property owners.
Carl Dennett of rural Augusta appeared before the local council to express concern about the railroad right-of-way annexation and expenses that might be assessed adjacent property owners for utility services.
The mayor told Dennett there were details to be worked out with the Augusta-Andover acquisition plan and utility extensions in the growth area could be 10 to 15 years away. She said citizens could be assessed as part of a future utilities benefit district.
