DURHAM, N.C. -- The city's latest proposal comes with a hefty price tag.

  • Proposal would cost almost $8 million.
  • Funding would come from the federal government.
  • The 1.75 mile "Belt Line" would include walking and bike trails.

The city council wants to turn an abandoned downtown railroad into a greenway space, known as the Belt Line. But first, members will have to shell out $7.8 million for the 18.8 acres from the Conservation Fund.

“The funding is coming from federal funding. We applied for funding through the state transportation improvement program,” said Dale McKeel, the city's bicycle and pedestrian coordinator.

The proposed 1.75 mile Belt Line will include walking and bike trails running through downtown.

“This is a very large undertaking. The city has been seeking to purchase this land for the last couple of decades,” added McKeel.

The city council will vote on purchasing the land Monday night during its regular meeting.

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