The clock is ticking on what could become one of Natchez’s greatest assets in the future — the Natchez Trails Project.

When the first phase is complete, some 5.6 miles of trail will wind through downtown and across the edge of the bluffs.

The Trails project will marry the beautiful scenery of Natchez with the amazing history that fills almost every nook and cranny of its historic downtown.

Markers along the route will inform locals and visitors alike about details of the history that occurred along locations on the trail. That history will reflect Natchez’s diversity and its uniqueness.

The Trails Project is truly a community project, beginning with a citizen’s idea that quickly rolled into a multi-million dollar, multiple-source endeavor.

Perhaps most impressive was the nearly $400,000 raised by local, private sources to serve as matching funds for state and federal funding sources.

That’s among the greatest examples of a public-private partnership we’ve ever seen.

Some of the government funds earmarked for the project, however, must be obligated by Sept. 30, which requires fast work on the part of the city engineer’s office, which is leading up the project planning and development.

When it’s completed, the Trails Project looks to be an excellent addition to Natchez and we’re hopeful that the deadlines can all be met so the hard work invested so far on the project will culminate in a great new addition to the community.