In the works is a plan to construct fifty miles of bike and walking trail through the wine country and local vineyards of Napa Valley. While the measure has been met with broad initial support from the community, business leaders, and politicians, a few necessary steps remain before the proposal can be acted upon: the findings from a feasibility study that was recently performed must now be reviewed, a financial plan must be created that will allow for both the construction and the maintenance of the trail, and lastly, an appropriate trail course must be decided upon which avoids compromising vineyard groves with easements that are granted from voluntary participation from land owners.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail would be slowly rolled out over many years, but the first portion could be realized inside of two years. While land owners might initially have reservations surrounding granting easements through their properties, research has shown that their likely concerns have not proven to be the reality. The data show a reduction in crime in the area of a trail, property values see an increase, and state law protects land owners from liability, and a privacy fence will be offered to those land owners desiring such.
The trail will benefit tourism by providing an additional pleasurable diversion for those choosing to spend their money in Napa County and the trail is expected to drive the local economy by fifty dollars per user, with three hundred thousand users being anticipated at a minimum. The trail would also contribute to the health and enjoyment of the local community and reduce traffic and emissions.
Funding for the Napa Valley Vine Trail will likely require fifty million dollars to construct it, and another ten million dollars to maintain it, with that money coming from a combination of private donations from businesses and the public, as well as local, state, and federal grants. The governmental aspect of the funding is now more likely given the new federal administration’s interest in supporting green infrastructure implementation across the nation. Napa County could benefit quickly by having done their homework and have their plan fully intact.
