It's an idea that's been stuck in neutral for over a decade, but now the city of Gainesville's hopes to turn an old railroad track into a nature trail is pulling out of the station.

Governor Charlie Crist and his cabinet unanimously voted Tuesday to purchase a 2.3-mile-long piece of property near downtown Gainesville from CSX Transportation for 1.5 million dollars.

The city has wanted to turn the former railroad path into a nature trail since the mid-1990s, but the two sides couldn't agree on a price.

Now that Governor Crist has signed off on the purchase, Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan says it's the citizens who will benefit.

Because the state is footing the bill, they'll own the property, but the city of Gainesville will be responsible for building the trail and maintaining it.

By David Hamilton/WCJB TV 20 News