Flight Line rails-to-trails project gets funding; Dayton could buy track in 2023

Old railroad line includes elevated section in east part of downtown, goes to Kettering; could be key cog in regional trail system
An out-of-service Norfolk Southern rail line that runs from the east side of downtown Dayton all the way to a Kettering park could turned into a multi-use recreational trail. The city of Dayton requested up to $2 million in federal funding to help purchase the 6.5-mile vacated track. JIM NOELKER/STAFF

Credit: JIM NOELKER

Credit: JIM NOELKER

An out-of-service Norfolk Southern rail line that runs from the east side of downtown Dayton all the way to a Kettering park could turned into a multi-use recreational trail. The city of Dayton requested up to $2 million in federal funding to help purchase the 6.5-mile vacated track. JIM NOELKER/STAFF

A rails-to-trails project that has been talked about for years has received a key source of funding that should help the city of Dayton finally acquire an unused railroad track it has long sought to use.

“The Flight Line rails-to-trails project will be a transformational quality-of-life amenity for Daytonians and build upon the more than 300 miles of existing paved trails in the region,” said Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr.

The vacated track in question stretches 6.5 miles from just east of the Oregon District (near Third and McDonough) through east Dayton along Hamilton Avenue and U.S. 35, before turning south, running along Woodman Drive and ending near Delco Park in Kettering.

The city of Dayton will receive $1.5 million from the federal government for the Flight Line project as part of the $1.7 trillion spending bill that President Biden signed late last month after it passed both chambers of Congress.

The out-of-service Norfolk Southern rail line that runs on Dayton's eastside, near the Oregon District, crosses Fifth Street and follows Hamilton Avenue out of town may be turned into a multi-use recreational trail. The city of Dayton requested up to $2million in federal funding to help purchase the 6.5-mile vacated track. JIM NOELKER/STAFF

Credit: JIM NOELKER

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Credit: JIM NOELKER

The bill contained more than $180 million for local projects across Ohio in approved Congressionally Directed Spending requests (earmarks), according to U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office.

Sen. Brown (D-Ohio) said the Flight Line project will help build a more complete transportation network by closing two gaps in the Miami Valley’s regional trail network.

The project will help connect downtown to East Dayton and Kettering while strengthening the links between the region’s 350 miles of multi-use trails, officials said.

“This regional trail network offers safe opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel, and the Flight Line will support the community’s broader economic development plans,” Sen. Brown said.

Cory Frolik/STAFF

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U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, also submitted a community project funding request seeking $1.5 million for the Flight Line project.

Dayton wants to buy the 6.5-mile vacated track from Norfolk Southern. The city and Norfolk Southern have spent years in purchase discussions but never were able to reach a deal.

This funding will go toward acquisition of the rail line.

The city of Dayton has received what officials hope will be just the first piece of funding needed to acquire and transform an old rail corridor into a bike path and recreational trail.

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The Flight Line would be more than just a trail because it is an open space amenity that connects to various green spaces, said Tony Kroeger, Dayton’s division manager of planning and land use.

The western section of the rail line is elevated and would provide sweeping views of downtown and other parts of the city.

“It will be a unique regional asset — particularly unique due to the elevated segment of the prospective trail,” Kroeger said.

If Dayton acquires the rail line, the city will seek various funding sources to pay for the work to convert it into a new trail and community amenity, Kroeger said.

“Broadly speaking, funding for implementation is more accessible than acquisition,” he said. “Funding sources will largely determine the timeframe for implementation.”

Conceptual rendering of the entrance to the Flight Line recreational trail. CONTRIBUTED

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Dayton may try to use some of its future Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help pay for the project, according to the city’s application seeking funding from the Priority Development and Advocacy Committee (PDAC).

The entire Flight Line construction project, which likely would occur in phases, could cost more than $5.7 million.

Last month, Dayton city planner Susan Vincent told the Dayton Daily News that Norfolk Southern is still at the negotiating table and remains willing to sell the abandoned line.

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