Rail with Trail Study workshops planned

Partners seeking public input on Rail with Trail project study

Contacts:
Terry Edvalson | EOU Project Development/Facilitation
Cell phone: 541-377-6355 | E-mail: tedvalson@eoni.com
Steve Kay | AICP, Division Manager Grants and Recreation Programs; Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Phone: 503-986-0705 | E-mail: Steve.Kay@oregon.gov

November 17, 2014

LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Eastern Oregon University are seeking participation in a project to study the possibility of locating a public trail adjacent to the Joseph Branch railroad line, which will continue to be in operation.

The Wallowa Union Railroad Authority (WURA), owner and operator of the rail corridor, has requested this planning process.

During the Rail with Trail Study, EOU is contributing project management services and OPRD is providing trail-planning assistance.

Once input is gathered, a report will be prepared and presented to WURA for their consideration of the “rail with trail” concept.

During this phase, the project partners are completing an existing conditions assessment of the rail corridor. Work includes an assessment of existing facilities and services, land use analysis and stakeholder interviews.

Study findings will be reviewed with community members to identify opportunities and constraints associated with the trail concept. Public workshops will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the City of Elgin Community Center
• Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the City of Wallowa Senior Center
• Thursday, Dec. 4 at the City of Enterprise Senior Center

For more information call Terry Edvalson at 541-377-6355, Steve Kay at 503-986-0705 or visit the project website at www.eou.edu/rails-with-trails.