Chamber of Commerce Hosts Ribbon Cutting for the Firefly Trail
GREENSBORO, GA - On Friday, Nov 3rd, the Greene Co Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the Greene County Project of the Firefly Trail. The ceremony was held in Union Point at the new pedestrian and cyclist bridge crossing of the trail that passes over North Rhodes Street. The ceremony was well attended and included many local elected officials, avid cyclists who helped spearhead the Trail Project, and numerous other citizens who have begun using the Trail for exercise. Okana Outdoors generously supplied electric bikes for the attendees to ride the trail.
Branded as the “Southern Segment” of the Firefly Trail, this section substantially completes the Trail from Union Point just south of N. Rhodes Street, through the city limits of Woodville, ending at the County line at State Route 77 and Oglethorpe County. The 6.5 mile Southern Segment is the longest continuous section of the Firefly Trail completed to date.
Ultimately, the Firefly Trail will span 39 miles from Union Point to Athens along the historic corridor of the historic rail line known as the Georgia Railroad Athens Branch. Additionally, the Firefly Trail will eventually pass through the towns of Maxeys, Stephens, Crawford, Arnoldsville and Winterville in route to Athens.
Greene County was awarded $2.1million in grant funds from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program to help fund the $3.5million construction project. Firefly Trail, Inc. raised another $220,000 in donations to support the project. The PATH Foundation donated $320,000. The Riverview Foundation donated another $50,000 to complete the section running through the City of Woodville.
Union Point Mayor Lanier Rhodes welcomed everyone and shared his excitement for the completion of the project. State Representative Trey Rhodes, who was instrumental in securing the grant funding, expressed his appreciation for the hard work of those who helped to complete the project. Greta deMayo, with the PATH Foundation, gave her continued support for the Firefly Trail Project as it continues through Oglethorpe County. Greene Co District 3 Commissioner Dee Lindsey concluded the ceremony thanking his fellow commissioners for supporting the project, and all those who worked to complete the project. Sheriff Donnie Harrison and his Department were thanked in advance for keeping the trail safe for citizens.
Greene Co Chairman Gary Usry and Vice-Chairman Jeffery Smith attended the ceremony to show their support for the project. Chairman Usry remarked how pleased he was with the cooperative efforts between the County and the Cities of Union Point and Woodville, and how proud he was of the project completion. Usry stated that it is a “true legacy” type project given how many people will use the trail, the economic benefit the trail will provide over time, and how it was uniquely funded and constructed through wide-reaching cooperative efforts.
Planning is already underway to extend the Trail about 1,500-feet further south along Carlton Ave. in Union Point to deposit directly into the downtown district of the City of Union Point. This connection to the downtown district of Union Point will put the finishing touches on a remarkable project.
