TITLE
Title
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT AMONG GUILFORD COUNTY, THE CITY OF GREENSBORO, AND THE CITY OF HIGH POINT FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE BICENTENNIAL GREENWAY
end
SPONSOR
Sponsor
Dwight Godwin, Parks & Recreation Director
end
BACKGROUND
Background
The Bicentennial Greenway was conceived by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners in 1987 to commemorate North Carolina’s bicentennial and connect Guilford County’s two largest cities. Following voter approval of a $12 million Parks and Recreation Facilities Bond in 1988, construction began in 1989, with the final segment completed by Guilford County in 2013. The approximately 14.5-mile greenway now serves as an important regional transportation, recreation, and quality-of-life asset.
Because the greenway crosses multiple jurisdictions and includes property interests held by Guilford County, the City of Greensboro, and the City of High Point, its long-term completion, management, and maintenance require coordinated regional action. Guilford County currently addresses maintenance needs using available resources; however, additional funding and a coordinated management structure are needed to ensure the continued operation and future development of the trail system. This partnership will assist in creating opportunities to leverage shared resources and strengthen the jurisdictions’ ability to pursue federal, state, and other grant funding.
Representatives and elected officials from Guilford County, the City of Greensboro, and the City of High Point have participated in coordinating the development of this Interlocal Agreement. This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to establishing a sustainable, coordinated approach to the future management, maintenance, and development of the Bicentennial Greenway.
The proposed Interlocal Agreement aligns with the Guilford County Parks, Trails, and Open Space Comprehensive Master Planning strategy of leveraging regional partnerships to address shared community priorities. The agreement establishes a framework for the three jurisdictions to work collaboratively on the management and stewardship of the Bicentennial Greenway.
end
BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
No budget impact to this Interlocal Agreement between the City of High Point, the City of Greensboro, and Guilford County.
end
REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Greensboro, and the City of High Point in substantial form and authorize the County Manager to take all necessary action to execute the agreement for an initial term of three (3) years.
end