(WWJ) Federal funding is coming to Detroit and neighboring communities to help with construction of the Joe Louis Greenway — a 27.5 mile biking and walking trail.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reports $3.92 million will be spent on a paved, non-motorized path connect the Dequindre Cut to Joseph Campau Ave. in Hamtramck and other cities.
Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski says the Joe Louis Greenway, which broke ground in May, will be another great piece of green infrastructure for the metro Detroit area.
Talking to reporters at a news conference on Friday, Majewski said she's excited about this phase of the project, which will allow Hamtramck residents to easily access the popular trail system.
"You know, we've been hearing a lot about the Dequnidre Cut all these years... but there's no easy way to connect Hamtramck to that large greenway that's going to connect Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck and Dearborn," she said.
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Plans are for the Joe Louis Greenway to extend from the Detroit Riverfront to Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck, with connectors also along Livernois and McNichols. The Greenway will include the Dequindre Cut and portions of the Detroit RiverWalk, as well as portions of the planned Iron Belle Trail and Southwest Greenway.
"When completed, it will provide a place for people of all abilities to safely walk, bike, and run while connecting neighborhoods, parks, schools, jobs, historic sites, commercial corridors and public transit," according to the Detroit Greenways Coalition.
Langton reports the funding for this phase is part of a $16.2 million post-pandemic "INVEST in America Funding" program that was championed by U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (MI-14).
The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2030 and will cost an estimated $211.8 million.