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SB 819

Authorize First Broad River State Trail.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Ted Alexander and 1 co-sponsor

The bill authorizes a new First Broad River State Trail across Cleveland and Rutherford Counties, with funding for planning and multi‑land development to boost access and recreatio

Passed 1st Reading
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Bill Summary · SB 819

Summary of SB 819 (Session 2025, North Carolina) – Authorize First Broad River State Trail

Overview

  • Bill Number: SB 819
  • Session: 2025 (North Carolina)
  • Sponsor: Senator Alexander (Primary)
  • Short Title: Authorize First Broad River State Trail
  • Filed: April 22, 2026

SB 819 authorizes the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) to add a new State Trail—the First Broad River State Trail—covering portions of the First Broad River in Cleveland and Rutherford Counties, and to establish related support, planning, and funding mechanisms.

Purpose and intent

  • Create formal State Trail status for the First Broad River, from the head of navigation in Golden Valley (Rutherford County) to the confluence with the Broad River in Cleveland County.
  • Promote public access, recreation, and tourism related to the river and its surrounding natural and cultural resources.
  • Leverage existing and potential land acquisitions and partnerships to develop trail segments on state park lands and other lands (federal, state, local, and private) to expand access points and recreation opportunities.

Key provisions

1) Authorization and scope

  • The DNCR is authorized to add the First Broad River Trail within Cleveland and Rutherford Counties to the State Trails System, under the authority of G.S. 143B-135.54(b).
  • The trail runs from the head of navigation in Golden Valley (Rutherford County) to the confluence with the Broad River in Cleveland County.

2) Management and land ownership

  • The Department must support, promote, encourage, and facilitate trail segments on:
    • State park lands
    • Lands owned by other federal, State, local, and private entities
  • When trail segments cross land controlled by non-DNCR entities, those entities’ laws, rules, and policies govern use of the property.

3) Land acquisition and funding requirements

  • The usual statutory requirement under G.S. 143B-135.54(b) that additions come with adequate appropriations for land acquisition, development, and operations does not apply to this authorization.
  • The State may receive land donations and may purchase other needed lands for the Trail using:
    • North Carolina Land and Water Fund
    • Complete the Trails Fund
    • Parks and Recreation Trust Fund
    • Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund
    • Other available funding sources

4) Appropriations

  • A nonrecurring appropriation of $25,000 is made for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to the DNCR.
  • Purpose of the funds: public education and system planning related to the First Broad River Trail.

5) Effective dates

  • Section 2 (the $25,000 appropriation) becomes effective July 1, 2026.
  • The remainder of the act becomes effective upon becoming law.

Who is affected

  • Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR): Responsible for implementing, promoting, and coordinating the Trail.
  • State Parks System: To host and integrate trail segments on state park lands.
  • Local governments, federal agencies, and private landowners: Potential partners or landowners for trail segments; their laws and policies govern use on their lands.
  • Public and recreationists: Access to new trail segments along the First Broad River.
  • Local economies: Potential tourism and recreation-related economic activity in Cleveland and Rutherford Counties.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill authorizes action and potential land acquisitions using multiple funding sources beyond standard appropriations.
  • A modest, one-year nonrecurring appropriation is provided for planning and public education in FY 2026-2027.
  • The primary authorization becomes effective upon the act’s passage; Section 2 takes effect July 1, 2026.

Potential impact

  • Establishes an official state trail corridor along the First Broad River, increasing public access and promoting outdoor recreation.
  • Encourages multi-jurisdictional coordination across state, local, and private lands.
  • Could stimulate outdoor tourism and related economic activity in the Charlotte metro vicinity’s spillover areas (Cleveland and Rutherford Counties).
  • Provides a framework for land acquisition using diverse funding sources to support trail development and maintenance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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