The multi-state Potomac National Heritage Scenic Trail just got another boost with the acquisition of more acreage near the Julie J. Metz Wetland area.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved the transfer of five acres on Neabsco Road in Woodbridge from property owner Robert B. Hart to the Prince William Park Authority on Tuesday. The Park Authority has already acquired a 9.1 acre parcel from Hart and could potentially use the land for trail connectivity from Rippon Landing Park to Metz Wetland, said Park Authority Executive Director Jay Ellington.
The Park Authority is also looking at constructing a boardwalk across Neabsco Creek, which could be paid for through budget carryover funds and proffer funds. The creek essentially separates Blackburn Road (where Rippon Landing Park is located) from Neabsco Road and eventually runs into the Occoquan Bay.
The acquisition of the Hart property came at no cost to the county and gives them a third option for where the trail may cross Neabsco Creek, said Ellington.
“If something happens to the boardwalk, we want this land as an alternative,” Ellington said.
When the board approved the 2012 fiscal budget in April, it identified nearly $800,000 to be used for trail connectivity throughout the county. An additional $2.5 million from the annual carryover session in August, as well as another $1.4 million in proffer funding, could be used for trails and park projects based on April projections.
The Park Authority and the Trails & Blueways Council will oversee the development of the Potomac Heritage trail in Prince William County.
The Potomac National Heritage Scenic Trail was proposed to be 704 miles long, connecting trails through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. At this point, approximately 300 miles of the trail has been designated for that purpose.
• Also on Tuesday, the board made the lease agreement for additional commuter parking spaces at Tacketts Village Square official. The additional 222 spaces will cost $3,330 per week and $173,160 for the remainder of the year, to be paid for by the state.
The original lease agreement with First Baptist Church of Woodbridge on Minnieville Road was voided due to lack of usage. The new spaces at Tacketts Mills, which already had a popular nearby commuter lot, opened for the public last week.
Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-530-3904.
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