Gov. Ivey Announces Nearly $3 million Grant for Gadsden Greenway Project
MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a nearly $3 million grant to
help the city of Gadsden advance its plans to build a multi-use urban
greenway.
The grant from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund will be
used to construct the Downtown Gadsden Greenway along a former railroad
bed which will ultimately connect to the Black Creek Trail System and
provide access to sports parks, community centers, waterways and more.
“The Downtown Gadsden Greenway is a mammoth undertaking by the city
of Gadsden, but one that will pay dividends for residents and visitors
and help the city showcase its assets,” Gov. Ivey said. “I
congratulate the city on this endeavor, and I am pleased to announce
this award.”
The 2.5-mile, 8-foot-wide asphalt trail with lighted areas along the
greenway will begin at the corner of Cabot Avenue and Peachtree Street
and will run between Tuscaloosa Avenue and U.S. Highway 431 before
ending at North Fourth Street and North Third Street, connecting with
the Black Creek Trail System. Trailheads will be constructed at each end
of the trail.
The grant is a 50/50 match grant with the City’s part coming from the RISE Plan bond issue.
Mayor Craig Ford had the following statement:
“This grant is a major first step in creating the Gadsden Greenway
and bringing another part of the GROW Gadsden master plan to life.
We want to thank Gov. Kay Ivey and ADECA director Kenneth Boswell
for helping secure this grant from the federal government. When
you’re awarded grant money, it’s always encouraging to see that
others share the vision for the project and its benefits.”
The city plans to ultimately create a trail loop around the city,
according to Gadsden officials.
The grant was awarded through LWCF’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy
Partnership program. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a program
of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The LWCF program is administered
in Alabama by the Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
“City and area leaders are to be commended for their hard work and
vision to bring this project to fruition,” ADECA Director Kenneth
Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in congratulating the city of
Gadsden for pursuing this worthwhile goal that will greatly enhance the
city.”
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement,
economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource
management.
