HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution #4014 - support of acquisition or rail banking of the BNSF north/south rail line RESOLUTION NO. 4014
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CANTON IN SUPPORT OF ACQUISITION OR RAIL-
BANKING OF THE BNSF NORTH/SOUTH RAIL LINE IN FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, the Canton Park District and Fulton County, along with other local agencies
have adopted a Greenways and Trails Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Canton Park District considers bicycle and pedestrian transportation to
be of utmost importance to the region by providing the region with recreation and transportation
opportunities, as well as, the facilities for economic and community development ; and
WHEREAS, a regional trail from Spoon River College to the Farmington High School is
feasible in conjunction with intergovernmental agency efforts, including Spoon River College,
the City of Canton, the City of Farmington, Fulton County, Illinois, the Illinois Department of
Transportation, and others; and
WHEREAS, the BNSF Railway Company anticipates filing a Notice of Exemption
seeking authority to abandon 14.5 miles of rail line located within Fulton County, Illinois, on or
about December 19, 2012; and
WHEREAS, the abandonment of such rail line would coincide with existing and
proposed trail alignments that the Canton Park District is currently pursuing; and
WHEREAS, the acquisition of such abandon rail lines would improve the Canton Park
Districts current trail projects under an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP)
grant; and
WHEREAS, the Canton Park District desires to partner and work in conjunction with the
County of Fulton, the City of Canton, and other municipalities and units of local government
through the use of intergovernmental agreements to acquire and maintain the aforementioned rail
line for recreational trails, economic and community development purposes.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THAT THEY
HEREBY ADOPT THIS RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PURSUING OPPORTUNITIES
WITH THE OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES MENTIONED ABOVE FOR THE RAIL-
BANKING ACQUISITION OF THE BNSF NORTH/SOUTH RAIL LINE COMPATIBLE
WITH THE CANTON PARK DISTRICTS EXISTING AND FUTURE TRAIL PLANS.
[Type text]
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Canton, Fulton County Illinois, at a regular
meeting this 2 day of January, 2013, upon a roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Aldermen Pickel, Hartford, Schenck, West, Fritz, Nelson
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Aldermen Ellis, Pasley
APPRQ.VEI3~
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' Kevin R. Meade, Maybr
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ATTEST:
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iana Pavley, City Cl~f
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