$50 Million Grant to Connect Atlanta BeltLine to Flint River through Multi-Use Trail
A $50 Million grant to connect the Atlanta Beltline to the Flint River is set to reshape Atlanta communities. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), in partnership with Clayton County and the cities of College Park, East Point and Hapeville, has secured a $50 million federal grant to create a multi-use trail connecting the Atlanta BeltLine to the Flint River. Anna Roach, ARC Executive Director & CEO, calls the project “a tremendous win for the Atlanta region.”
This ambitious initiative aims to connect various communities by providing easy access to important institutions like the East Point Library, Jesse Draper Boys and Girls Club, East Point City Hall, the College Park Marta Station and Egan Park. The trail will span 31.5 miles, ultimately linking southwest Atlanta to the City of Lovejoy in Clayton County.
“This trail project holds the potential to transform East Point and the southside Atlanta community by reconnecting neighborhoods that were divided by the construction of major highways and other infrastructure many decades ago,” said East Point Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham.
The $50 million award from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program will fund crucial project phases, including trail construction, design and community engagement. The initial focus will be building 2.6 miles of trail in East Point and Clayton County, followed by further development across the four communities.
Beyond transportation, the project aligns with the broader goal of revitalizing the Flint River, addressing stormwater issues and enhancing recreational opportunities. By connecting neighborhoods and providing improved access to transit, jobs and community centers, this initiative promises to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents in the region. Shannon James, President & CEO of Aerotropolis Atlanta says “This new opportunity will bring much-needed alternative modes of transportation, economic and healthcare initiatives to support our growing area.”
Local leaders and community organizations such as MARTA, The Atlanta Beltline, The Conservation Fund and the Georgia Department of Transportation have expressed enthusiasm for the project. Many are highlighting its potential to create a more walkable, bikeable and connected Atlanta. As planning and construction progress, the trail is expected to become a cornerstone of the region’s transportation and recreational infrastructure.
TWT Holdings is excited to be part of the dynamic growth happening in College Park, East Point and Hapeville. As our community continues to flourish, we are looking forward to what the future holds!