The proposed Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway (FORTAG) project would involve the phased construction of a multi-use trail in northwestern Monterey County, generally encircling the cities of Seaside and Marina and the California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) campus. The proposed FORTAG alignment includes approximately 28 miles of new paved trail, primarily on the inland side of Highway 1.
The Trail would accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists of all abilities. Within portions of some segments, the proposed alignment would include an adjacent four to eight-foot side path separated from the main path to accommodate equestrian use. Dogs would be allowed on-leash throughout the system. The estimated number of Trail users would be between 1,000 and 3,000 daily, with the highest usage occurring on the university campus and near the existing Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Most of the Trail would be a 12-foot-wide paved path, with a two-foot-wide unpaved shoulder on both sides, for a total width of 16 feet. The Trail is organized into seven segments: Northern Marina, Northern Loop, CSUMB Loop North, CSUMB Loop South, National Monument Loop, Canyon Del Rey/Highway 218, and Ryan Ranch.
The following key areas of concern have been raised by the public regarding the project's potential environmental impacts:
- Impacts to wildlife and biological resources.
- Food safety risks related to trail use near agriculture.
- Lighting impacts.
- Increased bicycle traffic on Angelus Way and Frog Pond Wetland Preserve.
- Airport safety zones.
- Homeless intrusion.
- Safety and aesthetic impacts at underpasses.
The proposed project includes alternative trail alignments and roadway crossings in order to address the key areas of concern.
The public comment period on the draft environmental impact report closed on January 3, 2020. The final report is scheduled for consideration at the March 2020 TAMC Board of Directors meeting. The final report will include comments received, responses to comments, and revisions to the report as applicable. A draft Master Agreement including maintenance responsibilities is being circulated by Agency staff to the underlying jurisdictions for their review and is expected to be executed in early 2020, following the certification of the environmental impact report by TAMC as the lead agency and by the underlying jurisdictions as responsible agencies.
Engineering-level design is estimated to begin in Spring 2020. Committee members will have multiple opportunities to provide input throughout the next year or so as the project moves through the design phase.
The first portion of the trail anticipated for construction is a segment along Canyon Del Rey Blvd/Highway 218 that has been awarded $10.3 million in federal funding through the Active Transportation Program. Construction for this segment is estimated to take place in 2022/2023. Construction of other segments is expected to occur over time and could continue for several years, depending upon funding availability and participation of the underlying jurisdiction.