The much-anticipated Rails with Trails project here in Cookeville has recently taken another step forward in becoming a reality.

Following a regional railway meeting at the Leslie Town Centre on Thursday, UC Daily News spoke with Keith Lilly to further discuss the project.

“Rails with Trails is one of those projects that takes quite a bit of time and energy behind the scenes to work on funding and design details,” Lilly stated,” yet the project is on track.

In fact, just two days ago we received notification that the Tennessee Department of Transportation has approved for us to proceed with the final trail design.”

The proposed trail for the project, which follows the rail line from the Depot in downtown Cookeville to the recreation center in Monterey, has excited many outdoor enthusiasts in this area, yet the question remains of as to when the trail will be officially open.

“We are expecting the final design to be complete by the end of the first quarter of 2008. Following that, any necessary environmental reviews and right-of-way issues will be examined, potentially allowing for construction bids to be put out by the end of 2008. These are all rough dates at the time, yet possibly by the end of 2009 we may have a trail for people to begin using.”

To help promote, fund, and keep the public informed about the project, the TrailBlazers organization was formed.

Lilly talked further with us concerning the group. “This is one way for the public to join an organization that can keep them up to date on the trail program. We will probably have a newsletter and a website that people can refer to as well. Yet, mainly, this is a way for people to themselves engage in the project.”

TrailBlazers will be hosting a kick-off event on Saturday, November 3rd from 2-4 PM at the Crawdaddy’s West Side Grill.

This is an event where people may make a donation to the TrailBlazers organization, as well as sample a dozen special home brews including pales, browns, stouts, and amber ales.

A vote will be taken for the official “Ale for the Trail.” Tickets to the event are available for $10 at the following locations: (admission is $15 at the door)

Crawdaddy’s
53 W. Broad St., Cookeville

Art Store Café
518 W. Main St., Algood

Cookeville Bicycles
610 W. Jackson, Cookeville

Good Shepherd Health Foods
201 S. Willow Ave, Cookeville