Governor announces $3 million grant for Downtown Gadsden Greenway

• Gadsden receives a $3 million grant to build a 2.5-mile multi-use greenway.
• The greenway will connect to the Black Creek Trail System, providing access to parks and other community resources.
• Funding comes from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
• The project is part of the city’s GROW Gadsden master plan.

The city of Gadsden will use a nearly $3 million grant to help build a multi-use urban greenway. 

The Downtown Gadsden Greenway will be constructed 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, according to a news release from the city. 

The grant comes from the  federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and was announced Aug. 8 by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. 

“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,” 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 city plans to ultimately create a trail loop around the city, Gadsden officials said. 

The $3 million grant was awarded through Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a program of the U.S. Department of the Interior.  

The Land and Water Conservation Fund program is administered in Alabama by the Department of Economic and Community Affairs. 

More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the Times app

“City and area leaders are to be commended for their hard work and vision to bring this project to fruition,” said Kenneth Boswell, director of ADECA 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. 

“This grant is a major first step in creating the Gadsden Greenway and bringing another part of the GROW Gadsden master plan to life,” said Mayor Craig Ford.

“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,” he said.