October 10, 2016
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
The Schuylkill River Trail runs along the eastern banks of the Schuylkill River as it passes through Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania officials announced a $3 million state grant to continue the development of the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia on Monday.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced the state funding alongside state Sen. Anthony Williams, state Rep. Jordan Harris and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Dunn.
Honored to be a part of the Schuylkill River Trail Project Ribbon-Cutting ceremony today with @GovernorTomWolf @CouncilmanKJ @RepHarris pic.twitter.com/1leeddOjGk
— Anthony H. Williams (@SenTonyWilliams) October 10, 2016
“With the help of our investment, the Schuylkill River Development Corporation will be able to reclaim and redevelop brownfield sites along the river,” Wolf said. “Turning a former eyesore and blighted area into a new and accessible space for city residents, we will create a valuable resource in a currently underserved neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia.”
The money will help the SRDC improve a 2.25-mile stretch of the trail. The group plans to use the funds to connect Bartram’s Mile to Passyunk Point. The $13 million project will link Southwest Philly and Center City.
“The Schuylkill River Trail project is a great opportunity for Philadelphia to create a one-of-a-kind experience that will encourage thousands of community members to get outside and enjoy some of the beauty our city has to offer,” Harris said. “Connecting more neighborhoods to each other via the trail will only increase the neighborly bond Philadelphians share and open them up to new experiences they otherwise may not have had.”
In July, city officials unveiled a $2.7 million renovation of Bartram's Garden in preparation for the trail's enhancement.
The trail currently serves more than 2 million residents annually over 60 miles of trail, state officials said. Once the project is completed, the Schuylkill River Trail will measure 130 miles in length.
