The Athens-Clarke County Commission found a way to restore $5 million of funding for the Firefly Trail project: revise revenue projections on a proposed 1-cent sales tax.
Commissioners believe that basing revenue projections on the past five years of sales tax collections, instead of the past 10 years, yields a higher total for the five-year tax — $109.9 million as opposed to $104.5 million. This announcement was made in Tuesday’s commission meeting. Mark Ralston, President of Firefly Trail Incorporated, explained that he is excited about this new announcement.
“We’re just really grateful that the mayor and commission went the extra mile to try to respond to the outpouring of community support for the trail and find a way to get it done,” Ralston said.
A citizen committee initially recommended pegging $16.8 million for the trail. However, commissioners had cut the allocation back to $11.4 million, while adding other projects to the list, such as $4 million in pedestrian improvements on West Broad Street and a $6 million Tallassee Road bridge project.
The revision to the revenue projections on the proposed sales tax will allow for completion of the paved bicycle and pedestrian pathway extending from the eastern end of downtown Athens through Winterville to the Oglethorpe County line. Ralston believes that the Firefly Trail will have a great impact on the Athens community.
“The impact of a trail like Firefly can be really significant in communities. When you look at places like Traveler’s Rest in Greenville, South Carolina, where the Swamp Rabbit Trail has completely transformed those towns. Brought in lots more economic opportunity and investments. Plus, improved health.”
The Firefly Trail is one of 20 projects that might get funding if voters approve a Transportation-Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax levy in November. Other projects on the list include money dedicated to the Oconee Rivers Greenway, pavement rehabilitation, transit vehicle purchases and replacements, downtown transportation improvements, pedestrian projects, and bicycle-specific projects.
Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the final list Aug. 1.
