2023-04 RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR TRAILS AND 2023 YEAR OF THE TRAIL RESOLUTION NO. 2023-04
COUNTY OF HARNETT
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR TRAILS AND 2023 YEAR OF THE TRAIL
WHEREAS, THE General Assembly has proclaimed 2023 as the Year of the Trail;
WHEREAS, the Covid pandemic demonstrated the value of trails for safe places for people to get
outdoors for their physical and mental health and sense of wellbeing;
WHEREAS, trails, greenways, and blueways provide key amenities to neighborhoods and are often
the centerpiece of a community bringing people together to exercise, play and connect with
nature.
WHEREAS, the parks, greenways, trails and natural areas in our community are welcoming to all
and provide a common ground for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to access our rich
and diverse natural, cultural, and historic resources; and
WHEREAS, trails offer quality-of-life benefits to all as expressions of local community character and
pride, as outdoor workshops for science education, as tools for economic revitalization, as free
resources for healthy recreation, as accessible alternative transportation, and as sites for social
and cultural events; and
WHEREAS, trails have significant impact on the economic viability of the community through
increased levels of tourism, enhanced property values, as well as the ability to attract and retain
businesses such as restaurants, outfitters, lodging and entertainment;
WHEREAS, the County of Harnett has existing and potential trails including the Dunn-Erwin Rail
Trail, sidewalk projects along Ray Road and Highway 421 near Campbell University, the Beaver
Dam Trail connecting the Cape Fear Shiner Park to the Town of Lillington, and many other at our
County Parks.
WHEREAS, the County of Harnett has invested planning and funding for Trails including the
adoption of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenway Plan in 2021, the Sandhills Regional Bicycle Plan
in 2019, the Comprehensive Transportation Plan in 2017, and the County's Land Use Plan in 2015,
as well as, annual planned funding for Greenway development in the Capital Improvements
Program.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the County of Harnett supports trails and is committed to
supporting trail events during 2023 to celebrate the Year of the Trail.
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Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman Date
Attest:
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Meli D. Capps, Clerk to the Board Date