Rail Trail Organization Seeks Grant For Proposed Trail

By Editor | March 5, 2025 |

A portion of the proposed rail trail will be part of the Casey Jones Music Festival 5K & Fun Run route on March 22.

By Lena Anderson
Herald Contributor

WATER VALLEY — The Yalobusha Greenways Alliance (YGA) is seeking a $1.3 million federal grant to help transform a portion of the Illinois Central Railroad corridor into a multi-use recreational trail. The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), supports surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. This effort marks a significant step toward revitalizing a key part of Water Valley’s historic transportation network while providing new opportunities for outdoor recreation and connectivity.

The proposed rail trail will span 3.4 miles through the heart of Water Valley, connecting neighborhoods to downtown and the Crawford Sports Complex. The project is expected to serve as a recreational and social hub for the community, offering residents and visitors a safe, scenic route for walking, biking, and other forms of active transportation. Additionally, this trail is part of a broader vision to create a regional rail-trail network linking Grenada, Coffeeville, Taylor, Oxford, and Holly Springs. YGA and its supporters believe this expansion will not only foster economic development but also significantly enhance quality of life by improving mobility options and access to green spaces.

“This trail will provide a safe and accessible route for pedestrians and cyclists while revitalizing a historic corridor that once played a vital role in our city’s economy,” said YGA Vice President Robert Maze. “We’re thrilled to see growing community enthusiasm, especially as a portion of the planned trail will be featured in the Casey Jones Music Festival 5K on March 22. Events like these are a great way to highlight the potential impact of this project and encourage further community engagement.”

The city’s application for BUILD funding aligns with eight key merit criteria, ensuring that the project meets high standards for public benefit. These criteria include safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility, economic competitiveness, state of good repair, partnership and collaboration, and innovation. By repurposing the abandoned rail corridor into a multi-use path, YGA aims to enhance connectivity, reduce vehicle dependence, and support tourism and rural economic revitalization. The project will also incorporate innovative technology to collect trail usage and demand data, helping to guide future development and improvements.

Beyond economic and transportation benefits, the trail is also expected to promote public health by encouraging outdoor exercise and active lifestyles. Creating safe, accessible routes for walking and biking will allow residents of all ages to stay active while enjoying the natural beauty of Water Valley. Additionally, the trail will help reduce transportation-related air pollution by offering a viable alternative to motor vehicle travel, supporting the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Community engagement and excitement for the trail continue to grow, with YGA already receiving donations from local businesses and residents eager to support the initiative. “It’s inspiring to see how much support this project is generating,” said Maze. “People recognize that this is more than just a trail—it’s an investment in the future of our community.”

To keep the public informed and involved, YGA is hosting its quarterly meeting on Thursday, March 6, at 5:30 in the Hendricks Building. Everyone is encouraged to attend to learn more about the project, share feedback, and find ways to contribute. For additional information, to join the mailing list, or to make a donation, visit yalobushagreenways.org.

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