Jul 4

Jul 4 Granting Better Trails

Prince George’s County Secures $25 Million RAISE Grant For Massive Investment In Regional Trails

On June 28 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant to a regional partnership investing in trails.

The grant, submitted by the Prince George’s County Office of the County Executive on behalf of the Prince George’s County Department of Parks & Recreation, Montgomery Parks, and the District Department of Transportation, will drive massive investments in the regional paved trail network across underserved communities in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Washington, DC. This is the second RAISE grant Prince George’s County has received in the past year.

The funding will accelerate more than $70 million in projects that help build the Central Avenue Connector Trail, Suitland Parkway Trail, and Prince George’s Connector, complete the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, and rehabilitate Sligo Creek Trail and Northwest Branch Trail. Overall, these regional projects will enhance both recreational and economic opportunities in the region, provide non-motorized commuting options to the 53,000 workers that are within half a mile of the trails, and improve trail access for nearly 300,000 residents.

“We are Prince George’s Proud to secure another RAISE grant that will not only improve the quality of life for Prince Georgians but residents across our region,” said Alsobrooks. “This new funding is critical to moving forward with the Central Avenue Connector Trail, a key component of our smart growth vision to build walkable, bikeable, amenity-rich communities along the Blue Line Corridor. We are thankful for the support of our regional and federal partners to expand access to trails across the County.”

Prince George’s County worked with the Capital Trails Coalition on the regional RAISE grant proposal, a collaboration of public and private organizations, agencies, and volunteers with an ambitious vision to connect Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia via a 990-mile trail network. Across the region, the funded projects will include seven miles of new construction, eight miles of trail rehabilitation, and safety improvements at major intersections and at-grade crossings.

“The Capital Trails Coalition commends the impressive partnership at every level of government to advance the development of the Capital Trails Network and connect underserved communities,” said Laura Miller Brooks, Steering Committee Chair of the Capital Trails Coalition. “This federal investment is imperative to creating safe, inclusive outdoor spaces to meet the increasing use and demand for multi-use trails, active transportation, and outdoor recreation options.”