The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced more than $2.2 billion of RAISE grant funds with over $10 million designated for two landmark trail projects being led by Trust for Public Land (TPL) in Texas and New York.
The Five Mile Creek Trail in Dallas, Texas and the proposed Long Island Greenway– East in Long Island, New York are two of TPL’s most important national trail projects.
A statement from Diane Regas, Trust for Public Land President and CEO:
“We are thrilled to announce that the City of Dallas, TX, and Suffolk County, NY, in strong coordination with Trust for Public Land have been awarded $10.3 million in grant funding from the USDOT’s RAISE program. This significant investment will support two landmark projects that will enhance connectivity, recreation, and equitable access to green spaces in Dallas, Texas, and Long Island, New York.
In Dallas, the Five Mile Creek Trail has been a long-awaited vision for the community. Thanks to this funding, TPL and the City of Dallas can now move forward with the planning, design, and engineering of 12.9 miles of multi-use paths, trails, and pedestrian infrastructure along the picturesque Five Mile Creek. This trail will serve as a vital link for the 186,000 residents in the area, the majority of whom are people of color and come from low-income households. By investing in this project, we are addressing historical disparities and ensuring that everyone has equal access to nature and outdoor recreational opportunities.
On Long Island, the Long Island Greenway will create a remarkable 175-mile network, connecting 27 communities and 26 existing parks. This funding, which will be used by Suffolk County for design and engineering, will help us make significant progress in turning this vision into a reality on the eastern end of the route. With 60 percent of the Greenway being off-road, residents and visitors alike will have an incredible opportunity to explore and travel between communities, providing a sustainable and enjoyable alternative to traditional transportation options. The engagement and input from the community have been invaluable throughout the initial design stages, and we are excited to commence construction of the first 25 miles of the trail in 2024.
These transformative projects exemplify our commitment to creating vibrant, equitable, and accessible communities for all. We extend our sincere gratitude to the USDOT for their support and recognition of the importance of investing in green infrastructure. Together with our partners and local communities, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that everyone has a chance to experience the benefits of nature and the outdoors. We look forward to the positive impact that the Five Mile Creek Trail and the Long Island Greenway will have on the lives of countless individuals and the communities they serve.”