11 unique SC trail projects just got $1.2 million in federal funding. Here’s where
South Carolina trail lovers just got an early Christmas.
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism announced Tuesday about $1.2 million in federal funding for 11 trail projects across the state. The funding will be used to help pay for some projects and for the maintenance and upgrade of some existing ones.
The money comes through the federal Recreation Trails Program, which helps states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and non-motorized recreational use.
“We are thrilled to see nearly $1.2 million heading to South Carolina to support trail projects across the state,” SCPRT Director Duane Parrish said in a Tuesday press release. “These dollars will go toward the creation of new trails and the enhancement of existing trails, helping improve the quality of life for locals and helping attract more visitors – and the tourism dollars they bring – to these areas.”
Among the 11 projects, two are located along the Saluda River in the Columbia area.
The program awarded $100,000 for the $7.49 million Saluda River pedestrian bridge project in West Columbia. It also awarded $100,000 for a $125,000 project to improve Saluda River and riverwalk access in Columbia.
“We are grateful that the city of Columbia is receiving funds from the Recreational Trail Program to make the Saluda River more accessible to everyone. The river is one of our greatest assets in Columbia and increasing everyone’s ability to get in and out lets more people participate in the fun our city has to offer,” Mayor Daniel Rickenmann said in the press release.
Projects were evaluated in terms of their overall quality, need, public support and planning process; whether adequate resources are available to execute the project; and whether resources are available to adequately manage, maintain and operate the project after completion, the press release states. Priority is given to trail projects providing connections or extensions for trail systems that are at least 10 miles long and projects in low-income areas.
Below is a list of all 11 trail projects.
- Summerville Preserve, Town of Summerville: Project total: $563,717 | Grant total: $100,000
- Hamlin Trails, Town of Mount Pleasant: Project total: $290,870 | Grant total: $100,000
- Saluda River Pedestrian Bridge Project, City of West Columbia: Project total: $7,490,000 | Grant total: $100,000
- The Saluda River & Riverwalk Access Improvements, City of Columbia: Project total: $125,000 | Grant total: $100,000
- Green Crescent Trail - Gateway Park Connector, City of Clemson: Project total: $127,000 | Grant total: $100,000
- Gap Creek Passage, Palmetto Trail (Phase I), Palmetto Conservation Foundation: Project total: $250,000 | Grant total: $100,000
- A Better Balance: Bringing Mountain Biking Back to CNP, Conestee Nature Preserve: Project total: $93,000 | Grant total: $60,000
- Town-wide Trailhead Establishment, Town of Edisto Beach: Project total: $170,775 | Grant total: $100,000
- Gilder Creek Multi-Use Trail, City of Mauldin: Project total: $125,000 | Grant total: $66,000
- Wambaw Cycle Trail 2022 Enhancement Project, USDA Forest Service, Francis Marion National Forest: Project total: $62,500 | Grant total: $50,000
- The Sanctuary Phase 1, Jason Griffin Racing Foundation: Project total: $375,000 | Grant total: $300,000
