Collier County officials are supporting the BERT trail project with funding and grant applications to enhance local transportation and recreation.
Bonita Springs: Collier County commissioners are stepping up to support the BERT trail project. They’ve committed funds to help buy land for this new trail.
On Tuesday, they approved $5,000 for the Trust for Public Land to prepare a grant application. They also pledged up to $899,000 toward the total $82 million needed for the 14.9-mile rail corridor.
The Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit focused on outdoor spaces, has been working with Seminole Gulf Railway to secure this land for a public trail. It took four years to finalize the deal.
Lee County and Collier County have until March 2026 to gather the funds. This trail isn’t just for biking; it’s a community investment that connects people and places.
Doug Hattaway from the Trust for Public Land emphasized that this trail will serve as a vital transportation link, not just a recreational path. It will connect to existing trails and enhance the area.
BERT will stretch from just south of the Lee-Collier County border to Alico Road, passing through downtown Bonita Springs and Estero. Some parts of the trail will even border conservation lands.
Interestingly, the railroad tracks in Downtown Bonita Springs haven’t seen a train in over 15 years. Now that the land deal is done, plans can move forward to create a multi-use trail.
The goal is to link BERT with other trails, like the John Yarborough Trail and the upcoming Paradise Coast Trail. This project is part of a larger $25 million initiative to connect various areas in Collier County.
About 70,000 residents live within a short bike ride of BERT, making it accessible for many. Once the land is purchased, it will be “railbanked,” meaning it can be used for a trail now but reserved for future rail use if needed.
The Trust for Public Land is also seeking a competitive federal grant of up to $25 million to kickstart the trail project. If they get the grant, Collier County will need to approve additional funding.
Other local communities are also on board. The Estero Village Council has committed funds to help with grant applications, and Bonita Springs City Council has shown support as well.
With the land secured, the vision for a vibrant multi-use trail in Bonita Springs is finally coming to life.
