Cross Charlotte Trail project costs come in over budget

The City of Charlotte has an ambitious plan to connect Pineville to Cabarrus County through greenways.

Charlotte has already committed $30 million to the Cross Charlotte Trail.

Now city leaders will ask for more than they planned to get it done.

When it's finished the trail will span 26 miles from Pineville all the way to Cabarrus County.

In 2012, city officials thought they could complete this project for $35 million.

Now, they want to extend the trail through places such as Villa Heights and said they are going to need a lot more cash.

Projected Cross Charlotte Trail costs:

• 2012: projected $35 million cost
• 2014: $5 million
• 2016- $25 million
• 2018- $5 million

The money is supposed to come through voter-approved bonds but now Channel 9 has learned that that's not enough money.

Council member Dimple Ajmera said construction prices have gone up since 2012 and the city is developing better cost estimates based on the trail's master plan.

She said despite the miscalculation by the city, the project is still worth investment.

“Cross Charlotte is absolutely critical for our city,” Ajmera said.

City staffers said voters will likely have to approve more funds for the project but city council members will have to make that decision during next year's budget process.

Larken Egleston is running in District 1 unopposed and is a big fan of the Cross Charlotte Trail. But, he said the council should consider putting additional funding for it on the ballot.

“We're going to have to continue to ask the citizens to vote for things that matter to them and I hope this is something that does matter,” Egleston said.

In addition to voter-approved bonds, the city will likely pursue public-private partnerships and federal and state funding.

The additional cost will likely be in the millions.

Cox Media Group