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| Ranking |
Good Idea |
| Description |
In 1989, various advocacy groups, elected officials and individuals in Georgia introduced the idea of converting an abandoned railroad line into a recreational biking and jogging trail. By 1998, the plan for the trail, the Silver Comet, was put into action. The PATH Foundation coordinated the development and oversaw the construction of this project. They formed a partnership with Georgia Department of Transportation and three Georgia counties. PATH assembled private contributions while the Georgia State Parks administered public funds.
After its completion, the Silver Comet provided a 60-mile trail that stretched across three of Georgia's counties. As of September 2008, the Silver Comet Trail connected with the Chief Ladiga trail in Alabama, for a total of over 95 trail miles from Georgia to Alabama. Residents and visitors are now able to enjoy a bike ride, jog, or walk through the countryside without worrying about cars or trucks.
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| Goal / Mission |
The goal of the program was to provide an outdoor recreational and bicycle commuting trail along an abandoned railway line in Georgia. |
| Results / Accomplishments |
During the week, the trail is heavily used by bicyclists commuting to work which helps to decrease road congestion and improve air quality. On the weekends, the trail is enjoyed by recreational users. The trail has resulted in an increase of visitors to the area, an increase of businesses adjacent to the trail and an increase of housing being developed near the trail. |
| Categories |
Transportation / Commute To Work
Art & Recreation / Sports Recreation & Parks
Environment / Built Environment
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| Organization(s) |
Path Foundation and Georgia Rails to Trails Society |
| Source |
Rails to Trails Conservancy |
| Date of Implementation |
1998 |
| Location |
State: Georgia |
| Primary Contact |
Ed McBrayer
PO Box 14327
Atlanta, Georgia 30324
404-875-7284
info@pathfoundation.org
http://www.pathfoundation.org
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| For more details |
http://pathfoundation.org/trails/silver-comet/
http://www.enhancements.org/misc/TEGuide2002.pdf
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| Target Audience |
Children, Teens, Adults, Families |
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