PONTIAC (WWJ) – The Clinton River Trail, which runs 16 miles through five Oakland County cities, is getting a facelift with help from the federal government.
The city of Pontiac will be awarded more than $16.3 million in federal funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant program, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced Tuesday.
The grant money will go towards reconstruction of the “deteriorated four-mile corridor” along Pike Street in Pontiac, as well as key connecting roads at Front Street, Eastway Drive and Bagley Street.
City officials say the project will address regional gaps in pedestrian and bicycle accessibility in the area.
The grant will also help “incorporate improved safety measures and traffic operations” for greater pedestrian accessibility and will create a pedestrian and bicyclist trail along the former Grand Trunk-Belt Line Railroad.
Officials say the upgrades to the trail will help support downtown Pontiac’s economy and improve access to public spaces. Mayor Tim Greimel says the Pike Street Clinton River Trail Project is “critical to a vibrant downtown” as well as enhanced transportation in the city.
“The Clinton River Trail is a wonderful recreational resource for families in Oakland County and across the states to walk and ride bikes. This investment makes important connections in Pontiac to expand access for residents and users across the state,” Stabenow said, per a press release.
The city will also receive a $4 million grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to fund the project.
More information on the Clinton River Trail can be found here.
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