The County Board of Commissioners recently voted 2-1 to start the process to remove the Yamhelas Westsider Trail from the transportation system plan. This trail has been part of the TSP for at least 10 years. This short-sighted decision without any public notice is appalling.
The off-street trail for walkers, hikers and bikers is a highly desired improvement that would connect the three small towns along Highway 47 and end near McMinnville. The trail would run parallel to the highway from the Washington County line to Highway 99, providing safety for pedestrians and an alternative to driving. The trail could eventually link up with the popular Banks-Vernonia State Trail, connect Gaston to Forest Grove, and provide pedestrian access to Henry Hagg Lake.
The decision to abandon this trail was not due to a lack of funding. The state Parks and Recreation Department just announced $1.6 million in grant funds available for land purchase and construction of trails. The planned trail corridor is along an abandoned rail right-of-way and would qualify for the federal rails-to-trails grant program. The County already purchased 12.48 miles of the abandoned rail line for this trail!…