Trail Extension FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRAIL EXTENSION

Updated 7/9/19

Q: I heard about a federal lawsuit seeking millions of dollars for property owners impacted by the construction of the Legacy Trail. Does that impact the $65 million bond referendum or the construction of the trail?

A: No. Landowners along the proposed northerly route of the trail will be compensated if their property rights are affected, but these are lawsuits against the federal government and the federal government will compensate the property owners accordingly. It has no impact on the $65 million bond, the construction of the trail extension, or the county government.

Q: Why extend The Legacy Trail?

Enhances Quality of Life and Property

  • Promotes healthy lifestyles for all ages by providing an attractive and safe place to walk, run, skate, cycle, explore local nature viewing opportunities, commute to jobs or run errands.
  • Converts an unused, overgrown rail corridor to a highly-used recreational and commuting trail, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality.
  • Connects existing neighborhood trails and other on-road bike lanes.
  • Promotes local economic activity:  Many studies have shown that multi-use trails promote local economic activity, stimulate tourism, raise nearby home values, promote healthy lifestyles for all ages, and reduce employee healthcare costs.

Improves Safety for Cyclists, Walkers, Runners and Skaters

  • Supports the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, creating safe and convenient ways for children to walk or bicycle to school and promotes daily physical activity. There are 27 schools within one linear mile of the Trail and 45 schools within two linear miles.
  • Provides nearly 30 miles of continuous non-motorized, paved, multi-use trail link between communities and amenities.

Q: How will the bond referendum passed in 2018 pay for the extension?

  • County will borrow money in the form of bonds which will be paid back over 20 years.
    • First draw for the purchase of the corridor, trail design, and North Port implementation (Complete June 28, 2019).
    • Second draw will be for actual construction, timing TBD.
  • Maximum cost per household: Just $8 / year for each $100,000 assessed home value (not market value) for up to 20 years.
    • Actual cost per household will be adjusted as needed based on real costs and other funding received.

Q: What will happen now that the referendum has passed?

  • April 30, 2019 – Trust for Public Land (TPL) and Sarasota County must complete due diligence review. (Complete)
  • June 28, 2019 – TPL and Sarasota County must close on the $30.1 million purchase for the property (Complete)
  • December 25, 2019 –  (180 days after closing) Seminole Gulf must complete removal of rails, switches, and signal equipment.
  • The County will:
    • Hire contractor to build trail
    • Pave it.
    • Add parking areas, trailheads, rest stops, rest rooms, and landscaping.
    • Develop connector to North Port (exact route to be determined – see map).
  • It is estimated that the ground-level trail will be completed sometime in 2022. The order in which trail segments will be completed has not been determined at this time.
  • FDOT will build trail overpasses at Clark and Bee Ridge Roads. No completion date is available at this time.

Funds from the referendum may be used only to extend The Trail and connect to North Port.

Friends of The Legacy Trail