Rails to Trails project in Soddy-Daisy brought back for discussion

SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A proposed new trail in Soddy-Daisy was back up for discussion Wednesday.

The Rails to Trails project would transform the railroad tracks alongside Sequoyah-Access Road into a six mile walking and biking trail.

The railroad tracks were built to service the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant during its construction in the 1970s, and have been dormant for years.

Discussions about this project have dated back decades.

A portion of the potential future Rails to Trails path off Walnut Road in Soddy-Daisy.

Hamilton County Commissioner Gene-O Shipley said, “At that time the commissioner of our district did not like the idea.”

Wednesday, a resolution to allow the county to apply for a two million dollar grant to go towards that project was discussed.

The county would have to find a way to match that grant, which was a point of contention.

Commissioner David Sharpe asked, “So you’re saying that this federal grant, that you’re seeking, the county’s portion of the match can be made with federal grant dollars?”

Hamilton County’s Director of Economic and Community Development Alexa LeBeouf said, “Yes, this portion of the grant funds can be comprised of other grant funds.”

There are numerous road crossings like this one that will have to be taken into account as this project is developed

Additionally, much of the railroad line goes through wilderness where vegetation and trees are currently growing on the tracks. 

However, leaders say it would be transformational for Soddy-Daisy.

Hamilton County’s Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development Sarah Spencer said, “I think there could be, especially along the trail, property values could increase and business would benefit from it.”

At a meeting last month, developers say that discussions are necessary with TVA to get some of the right away needed for this project.

There is hope the project can get the grant by next Spring, but there is no timetable for this project.

Shipley said, “This is something that would help the entirety of Northern Hamilton County area and give people that enjoy that type of walking, multiple use, walk your dog. I think it’s for everybody.”