Sen. Alexander files bill to create South Fork Passage State Trail in North Carolina Senate

A new bill filed by State Sen. Alexander seeks to add the South Fork Passage State Trail to North Carolina’s State Parks System to enhance recreation and conservation efforts, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 329 on March 18 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Recognizing South Fork Passage State Trail.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill authorizes the creation of the South Fork Passage State Trail, adding it to North Carolina’s State Parks System. The trail will span Catawba, Lincoln, and Gaston Counties, running from Jacob Fork Park to Lake Wylie’s boundary with South Carolina. The trail will enhance recreational offerings and aid in conservation efforts for the South Fork of the Catawba River watershed. It includes a 60-mile hiking and paddling path, connecting several local parks and promoting tourism by leveraging the region’s diverse hydrology and terrain. The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will facilitate trail establishment on various lands, with existing property laws prevailing where the trail crosses non-state lands. The act bypasses the typical requirement for adequate appropriations accompanying a trail’s addition, allowing for funding through donations and existing state and federal resources. The act becomes effective upon becoming law.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Brad Overcash proposed the most bills (10) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Alexander graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA.

Alexander, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 44th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Vickie Sawyer.