Plans for a rail trail between Lawrence and Roxburgh have been tentatively backed by the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board, but it wants more detail before committing money.
The board met recently and resolved to support the proposal but wants more information before deciding whether it will inject a financial contribution towards the venture.
Board members supported the concept of the trail but some expressed concern about how it would be funded and what impact, if any, it might have on rates.
Once it received the financial information it needed, the board would consider making a decision.
The $5.5 million venture involves creating a cycle and walkway trail between the two towns. The trust formed to investigate the idea further hopes it could open within five years.
Conditional approval was given in September.
The proposed 73km trail would run from Lake Roxburgh to Lawrence via Beaumont, using sections of the railway closed in 1968.
It would cross 24 properties, some of which are privately owned, and travel alongside parts of State Highway 8.
Funding to build and manage the trail would be sought from private funders and corporate sponsorship.
The trust has set a three-year target for the opening.
