PAINTSVILLE — The Dawkins Line project that will convert 36 miles of former railroad line through three eastern Kentucky counties into a multiuse trail is moving forward despite opposition, state park officials said last week.

Ron Vanover, state naturalist and project manager, said the goal is to open the first 18.5 miles of the trail “as soon as we can.” He said officials will meet with each landowner to address concerns.

Vanover was among the cadre of state officials from the state Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, which includes the Department of Park, to attend a question-and-answer session in Paintsville last week. Officials from the Big Sandy Area Development District and the Finance and Administration Cabinet were also on hand.

“We are going to make you proud,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Deputy Secretary Matt Sawyers, who explained the state is committed to investing enough resources in the project to build a trail that is safe, well-maintained and promoted.

“We want this to be a community asset, and this will not be successful if the community turns its back on it,” he said, urging residents to become involved in its development. He said the project will take time “to mature,” but in the long run will likely “win over” its naysayers.

Sawyers said the trail will not only attract tourists and their dollars but become a valuable asset in recruiting new business and industry to the area. In today’s competitive environment, he said, businesses are looking for these types of “quality-of-life assets” for workers when they consider a new location.

The Dawkins Line, which stretches from West Van Lear in Johnson County through Magoffin County to Evanston in Breathitt County, was last used to haul coal in 2003 under the ownership of R.J. Corman. The line was first developed in the early 1900s to haul timber.

In 2004, Corman filed paperwork to abandon the rail, but it was immediately railbanked by the Kentucky Rails to Trails Council. Railbanking is a federal and state process that allows a railroad’s right of way to be preserved and eventually become a trail. Railbanking prevents the reversion of property along the right of way back to individual property owners. It also allows for a railroad to be reinstalled if it is needed for national security reasons.

The state purchased the rail line this year for $500,000 with funds first appropriated by the General Assembly in 2006. An additional $2.5 million in transportation and coal severance grants has been set aside by the state for the project’s development.

Ten landowners spoke out against the project, again voicing concerns about a variety of issues ranging from crime and safety to privacy and property values. Several said they felt the state had “stolen their land” and worried if it would later be sold for another use.

Sawyers assured residents the state has no intention of using the land for any other purpose but a multiuse, nonmotorized trail. He said based on the experiences of other states, property values typically increase and crime rates drop by use of land previously abandoned.

Col. Joey Hoover, director of park rangers, said the trail will be well-patrolled — day and night — by uniformed park rangers who have full police powers to arrest and investigate incidents. He said every effort will be made to prevent ATV use of the trail and violators will be “discouraged” from doing it again.

Half a dozen individuals, including several from Ashland, spoke out in favor of the project.

The Ashland Cycling Enthusiasts were well-represented at the meeting; Dianna Ross spoke on behalf of the group. She said the group travels frequently throughout the eastern United States to bike on other Rail-Trails and is “very excited Kentucky is finally developing some trails. We’re excited to have a rail-trail one hour away,” she said.

Ross said many residents along the rail-trail spend money in Ashland, dining and shopping. “We would like to give you some money back,” she said.

Prestonsburg bicycle shop owner Don Fields is looking to capture some of those dollars. He is seeking property along the Dawkins Line to open a bicycle shop and café to cater to users. He plans to hire up to six additional employees when the business opens.

“From a business point of view, I’m excited,” he said.

State officials are continuing to accept public comments on the project. Sent them to Ron Vanover c/o the Kentucky Department of Parks, Capital Plaza Tower 10th floor, 500 Mero St., Frankfort, KY 40601. Comments may also be faxed to (502) 564-9015.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at carriestambaugh@gmail.com or (606) 369-2635.