City needs $11.7 million to buy rail line for project

• Cincinnati considering funding options for 7.6 mile Wasson Way hike and bike trail

Development of the Wasson Way trail remains on track. However, the city will need to raise $11.7 million to move forward with the project.

The Wasson Way Project involves converting 7.6 miles of railroad track into a recreational hiking and biking trail which would extend from Victory Parkway near the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University to the Little Miami bike trail. The trail will run through nine neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Oakley, Mount Lookout, Mariemont and Fairfax among others.

The project has been under discussion for several years. During that time one of the biggest challenges had been securing the right of way from rail owner Norfolk Southern.

Cincinnati City Council recently entered into a contract with Norfolk Southern giving the city exclusive rights to the right of way.

However, the city will have to raise $11.7 million to actually buy the rail line. City officials are now trying to come up with ways to fund this

The city has until the end of July to buy the rail line at which point it can extend the contract another year at an additional cost of $500,000.

Cincinnati City Councilwoman Amy Murray, who is chairwoman of the city’s Major Transportation and Regional Cooperation Committee, has asked city administrators to come up with funding options to buy the rail line.

“We have the option to purchase,” Murray said. “That is a big step forward. (Now) it all comes down to how it will be financed.”

Murray is among those on city council who have stressed the importance of developing this trail.

The Wasson Way organization has also been involved in raising funds for the project.

The organization recently raised $95,000 in conjunction with Interact for Health, which provided money as part of a matching grant.

The organization is currently working on developing designs for the trail by working with volunteer engineers and trail experts.

The organization also has a new president. Hyde Park resident Susan Schaefer was elected last fall.

“What is exciting is this has gone from an idea of a couple of people into a movement of many,” Schaefer said.

Schaefer said any work on the trail is contingent upon the city raising the necessary funds.

However, she said she remains optimistic.

“With all of the benefits this trail has from health to transportation, beautification, recreation and economics, we are optimistic the city will come up with the funds needed to make this trail a reality,” she said.

The Wasson Way organization currently needs volunteers. To volunteer as well as receive the organization’s newsletter, send an email to wassonway@gmail.com.

For additional information, visit the website wassonway.org or “Wasson Way Project” on Facebook.