May 30, 2024 - News

Flint River trail project near Atlanta airport scores funding

Thomas Wheatley

A rendering of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge crossing a river near an airport — The Flint River Gateway Trails' vision includes green infrastructure to manage stormwater and flooding. Rendering: Courtesy of the Atlanta Regional Commission

A 31-mile trail network that would connect Atlanta, East Point, College Park and Hapeville to the long overlooked Flint River took a $15 million step toward becoming reality.

Why it matters: The Flint River Gateway Trails would give south metro Atlantans greater access to the region's growing bicycle network.

It would also increase awareness of the distressed river that begins flowing near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The latest: The Atlanta Regional Commission, Clayton County and the three cities will use a new $15 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant and $50 million in additional federal funding to plan and build several segments of the multi-use trail.

Previous planning efforts like Finding the Flint have called for trails and parks to protect the waterway that's been burdened by pollution and development.

What's next: The public visioning process for the trail network's design is scheduled to begin later this year.

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Flint River trail project near Atlanta airport scores funding

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