City officials in Toronto and Commissioner Tom Graham -- who voted against closing the portion of roadway for use as a trail -- said it was their understanding that the project's funding was coming from excess piggyback taxes in the county's emergency fund. They said that money should go to the county jail to keep criminals off the street.

However, on Wednesday, Commissioner Dave Maple, who spearheaded the idea, said no funding would be necessary. Maple said the county does not need any initial money to close the road and he said supporters of the trail simply want to close it to vehicular traffic for now.

Sound Off: Share Your Thoughts

Maple said it appears much volunteer work would come into play to maintain the stretch of road, and once it's a trail, grant money may be available.

But Toronto Service Director Larry Coppa said there's no doubt initial money will be needed. Coppa said the stretch of road has been in need of major repairs for quite some time and it doesn't matter what's moving along it.

"Where are they going to get the money to fill the potholes? And where they put the pylons it looks like it's starting to cave in a little bit," Coppa said. "Where will they get the money to fix that?"

Graham said he thinks it's not necessary to restrict vehicular traffic from the road at all.

"If you are going to leave it a road, that makes no sense to close it down. People ride their bikes on it now and they jog it now. There's no need," Graham said.

While no one seems to be opposed to the idea of a recreational stretch, the location has prompted petitions to circulate in Toronto, Empire and Knox Township to block the road's closure.

Maple said he never thought the introduction of a trail would stir up such a negative reaction, but Graham said he knew it would be controversial given the reactions he heard from people who spoke at a meeting before the vote.

There are other issues still unresolved, such as safety concerns and rerouting of truck traffic. Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9 Mobile for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories: September 23, 2010: Local Road To Become Recreational Spot September 23, 2010: Jefferson Co. Considers Transforming Road Into Walking Trail