EPA hands out grant to Chattanooga for Southside trail

WASHINGTON D.C. (WDEF) – The EPA is delivering grant money to the city of Chattanooga for trail systems.

They will give almost $20 million to the Trust for Public Land and the city.

They money goes to develop a trail system for south Chattanooga to expand greenspace and tree canopy.

The original project outlined in 2002 connects three communities cut off by railroads or other barriers.

Almost four thousand people live within a half-mile of the trail connecting Alton Park to the Riverwalk.

“We are excited to announce these awards to the first two selectees in EPA’s Southeast Region,” said acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle.

“This is a historic investment in an area of Chattanooga that needs and deserves it, and we can’t thank EPA enough for this award,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “This $19.5 million will help us and our valued partners at the Trust for Public Land extend the Alton Park Connector from the Riverwalk to Clifton Hills Elementary while investing in community organizations. The Alton Park Connector will add greenspace and tree canopy, giving Chattanoogans a beautiful new option for outdoor recreation. But just as importantly, it will reconnect an underserved community to the rest of Chattanooga and the new development in the South Broad area, forging a path to better jobs, amenities, and services for the Chattanoogans who live in the area. This is One Chattanooga in action.”