Regions across the country are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to build and connect systems of biking and walking trails to provide residents with an essential amenity and a means to stay active and healthy. Greater Jackson is making good progress on trail-development efforts and recently held a groundbreaking for the Museum Trail that will connect the Farmer’s Market to the Museums on Lakeland Drive and help connect existing trails, further advancing long-term goals to create a truly regional network. The next several years will see aggressive efforts to develop a world-class system of recreational trails in Central Mississippi to make biking to work or school a viable commuting option for Greater Jackson residents.
The 2.5 Museum Trail connects downtown Jackson with the LeFleur’s Bluff Museum District, providing access to four remarkable museums and parks. The trail is made possible by funding from the Federal Highway Administration appropriated by the Mississippi Department of Transportation, Central Mississippi Planning and Development District, and generous financial contributions from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, Community Foundation for Mississippi, Ray Nielsen, and other private donations.
Mississippi Department of Transportation, FHWA Transportation Alternatives Grant, City of Jackson, Community Foundation for Mississippi, Ray Neilsen, Private Donations, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Jackson Heart Foundation and numerous individuals contributed time and energy to helping this project become a reality and Entergy plan to provide a destination trailhead near Moody Street as a mid-way stop along the new trail.
For more information on existing trails in the region and plans for the region please visit the following websites:
Central MS Planning and Development District Clinton Trails Ridgeland Trails Natchez Trace Trails
CMPDD Regional Trail System For more information about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Subcommittee please contact Jackson MPO Staff, by email at mpo@cmpdd.org or by phone at (601)-981-1511.
LeFleur East Trail Nearing Completion City Council Approves $2 Million for Multi-Use Trail
Our vision is to build a sought after community on the banks of a new 1,500 acre lake, located within minutes form homes and offices, in the heart of a region known for being a great place to live and work. The Jackson area has the opportunity to create a major regional amenity while also protecting against damage from major flood events. Through a partnership of local/state/federal officials, the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers, and the Pearl River Vision Foundation, a new 1,500-acre lake in the heart of Greater Jackson can one day serve as a “signature” development that future generations look back on as a transformational project for the region.
More was accomplished on the One Lake project in 2018 than at any other time in its 40-year history: and this project has never been closer to being realized than where we are today. The combined efforts of elected officials, civic and business leaders have resulted in One Lake reaching major milestones, including:
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers completed an Agency Technical Review of the Feasibility Study, an outside team of experts completed its review of the studies, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works (ASACW), R.D. James visited Jackson for a briefing and site tour. In addition, the Flood Control District is finalizing a report to send to Assistant Secretary R. D. James, this includes addressing comments from the public and government agencies, Public meetings were held in Mississippi (Jackson, the Gulf Coast) and Slidell, Louisiana along with a Public Comment Period from June 23 to September 6, 2018, Congress passed legislation that will help in the implementation of the project, and consultations with relevant state and federal agencies took place.
The next major task is to finalize work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and transmit all documents to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in Washington D.C. for the final decision. The Flood Control District expects to have a final determination from the ASACW by the end of the year. There are still many hurdles, so there is much work to be accomplished. Therefore, steady support from local elected leaders and business and civic leaders is needed to make One Lake a reality.
One Lake Flood Control Plan Still in Review Stage Northside Sub Pandemic Delaying Review One Lake Plan Northside Sub Consider This: Build One Lake WLBT ‘One Lake’ project would’ve saved 90% of homes affected by floodwaters, Hinds Co. supervisor claims WLBT
For more information on the One Lake plan, visit Rankin Hinds Pearl River Flood & Drainage District.