With funding, the Circuit Trails is closer to reach its short-term goal to complete 500 miles of trails by 2025.

The Circuit Trails is developing 800 miles of multi-use trails in the Greater Philadelphia region. With an $7.27 million federal investment, the trail network is closer to its goals.

The new Community Project Funding will help fill portions of 90 unfunded miles to reach the network’s goal of 500 miles by 2025.

Reps. Boyle (PA-02), Dean (PA-04), Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Scanlon (PA-05) secured $7.27 million in Community Project Funding from the FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill passed by Congress.

The following projects are being awarded in this funding:

• $2.5 million for the Germantown Pike Crossing segment of the Cross County Trail in Montgomery County secured by Rep. Madeleine Dean
• $1 million for the Battery segment of the Delaware River Trail in Philadelphia secured by Rep. Brendan Boyle
• $1.77 million for the Veterans Park to Quakertown segment of the Upper Bucks Rail Trail in Bucks County secured by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick
• $2 million for the Bartram’s to Passyunk Phase II segment of the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia secured by Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon

An additional $5 million was secured for park development adjacent to the trail, including:

• $2 million toward  Graffiti Pier, which includes the Delaware River Trail in Philadelphia
• $1 million for Sadler’s Poynt Park in Camden includes the Delaware River Heritage Trail in Camden County
• $2 million for Assunpink Greenway Recreation Corridor, a linear park project east of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail in Mercer County

In addition to running, walking, and biking, users can paddle alongside the Circuit. Many trails run alongside the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, a vital part of the Delaware Watershed.

National trail use increased 45% in 2022 compared to 2019 numbers, showcasing how important these projects are for the local region.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher