Where will the money come from?
Many sources of federal, state, county, township, and private funding are available for trail construction and maintenance. Although some may say a trail is a waste of money, trails are remarkably inexpensive public facilities for the number of people they serve.


The average multi-use trail costs $50,000 to $200,000 per mile to acquire and build, compared to the $10 million per mile for a suburban street and $100 million per mile for some highways. In addition, the economic benefits often outweigh the costs. For example, an analysis of economic impacts of the North Central Rail-Trail in Maryland showed that in 1993, the revenue on user purchases alone ($303,750) surpassed operating costs ($191, 893).

Show All Answers

1. Do hike and bike trails attract crime and vandalism to neighborhoods?
2. How can trails be made as safe as possible?
3. How do trails affect property values?
4. What about public and private liability?
5. Who will pick up the litter?
6. Where will the money come from?
7. What about parking?
8. Will a trail cause damage to local wildlife?