EAGLE LAKE — Five local governments have joined together as a local government corporation to plan and build a 31-mile shared-use trail along a former rail line west of Houston.
The first of a series of public meetings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, at the Eagle Lake Community Center at 100 N. Walnut Ave. in Eagle Lake.
The 1093 Rails to Trails Local Government Corporation (LGC) was established in February 2022.
The 1093 Rails to Trails is a non-profit organization acting on behalf of Austin County and the cities of Eagle Lake, Fulshear, Wallis and Weston Lakes.
The LGC will enter an agree- ment with the Fort Bend Toll Road Authority to plan and build a shared-use path along a 31-mile stretch of the former rail corridor.
The trail will run alongside Farm-to-Market Road 1093 from Fulshear to Eagle Lake to provide hiking and biking opportunities for local residents.
It will also serve as a tourist destination, offer alternative transportation options between communities, and connect more communities with opportunities for connections to other trail projects in the region.
“The LGC has partnered with the National Parks Service to take the next steps toward designing and building the trail,” said Belinda Haflin, LGC Presi dent. “Through a series of public meetings we hope to hear from all of the communities along the trail to learn how they want to use and access it, what they hope it looks like, what’s unique about each community, and how we can highlight each community’s character in the design.”
During the public meeting on March 7, attendees will hear a brief overview of the history of the project There will also be an opportunity to meet the members of LGC, and discuss next steps.
Following the introductions, attendees can visit different stations to share their ideas on trail access and use, desired amenities, and community character.
“The 1093 Rails to Trail will be a great asset to the communi- ties," said Haflin, "and we need community members to help get it on the ground.”
The LGC and National Parks Service will host two additional public meetings in Wallis and Fulshear in April and May, respectively.
The exact dates of the next two meetings will be announced.
More information about the 1093 Rails to Trails project is available online at 1093railstot rails.weebly.com,email [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/1093RailstoTrails .
The 1093 Local Government Corporation was formally approved by the Texas Secretary of State on February 25, 2022, for the 1093 Rails-to-Trails Local Government Corporation—a non-profit organization.
The LGC acts on behalf of Austin County, the City of Eagle Lake, the City of Fulshear, the City of Wallis, and the City of Weston Lakes.
Together, these municipalities envision a shared-use trail that is safe and accessible for cyclists and pedestrians.
The trail would run alongside FM 1093 from Fulshear to Eagle Lake, connecting several Texas towns along the way.
Representatives from Austin County and the cities of Eagle Lake, Fulshear, Wallis, and Weston Lakes on the local government corporation board meet on the first Monday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
The 1093 Rails to Trails project seeks to bring prosperity and vitality to cities along the former railway corridor by supporting the development of the passage into a community gateway. This can be done through the implementation of a shared multi-use trail pathway that invites residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of natural green spaces and countryside while supporting local destinations and commerce.
The multi-use trail pathway will help build an appreciation of the health & wellness benefits that come from safe outdoor recreation.
