NEWS RELEASE

Rails to Trails

Central City Trails Committee, Merrick Foundation and the Nebraska Trails Foundation are pleased to announce a purchase agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe for the railroad right-of-way from Central City to 1 mile South of Marquette (approximately 8 miles). The trail will accommodate hiking, biking and equestrian travel. Purchase of the right-of-way is the first phase of many that will develop the trail connecting with the Central City Trails Plan including the Highway 14 bypass project. The trail will provide access to Willow Bend, Turtle Beach and Valley View Golf Course as well as Marquette.

This picture is taken on the south bank of the
Platte River, just south of Central City and adjacent
to the Willow Bend and Turtle Creek developments.

Shown (left to right) are: Pat Carlson, Central City Community Trails
Committee (CCCTC); Chris Anderson, Central City Administrator;
Doris and Jerry Gacke, CCCTC; Dean Hartwig, Merrick Foundation;
Jean Kennedy, CCCTC; Don Daberkow, Merrick Foundation;
and Chuck Griffith, Merrick Foundation.

The Central City Trails Committee was organized in 2002 to acquire the railroad right of way that extends from Central City to Aurora. The railroad has formally abandoned the property. The railroad right-of-way from 1 mile south of Marquette to Aurora has yet to be abandoned.

Contact Information:

Central City Community Trails Committee: Pat Carlson (308) 946-2195
Nebraska Trails Fndtn: Ross Greathouse (402) 420-5885 or 432-5512
Merrick Foundation: Chuck Griffith (308) 946-3707 or (308) 940-2537