PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Circuit Trails Coalition has reported a successful year of growth for the Circuit Trails network in 2023. This year, an additional eight miles have been added to the planned network, bringing the total open trail mileage to over 393. The network now stands at approximately 47% complete of its 836-mile goal across the Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey region.
Furthermore, 77 miles of trail are currently under development, either being actively designed or built.
Patrick Starr, Pennsylvania Vice-Chair of the Circuit Trails Coalition and executive vice president at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, shared the coalition’s optimism about the progress made. “We’re closing in on our interim goal of completing 500 miles of Circuit Trails by December 2025,” he said.
Starr also highlighted the importance of continued funding for the project. “Our coalition had a successful year securing project funding. Sustained federal, state, and local funding remain critical to maintaining the momentum we’ve built this year,” he added.
In 2023, Circuit Trails projects were awarded $41.7 million for various stages of development from state and federal funding sources specifically allocated for trails and transportation. Among the funded projects were the Camden County Link Trail, which received $20.6 million, and the Rancocas Creek Greenway which was granted $13.2 million from the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program.
Other notable funded projects include the Elephant Swamp Trail ($1.4 million), Burlington-Camden Trail ($1.2 million), and the Schuylkill River Trail ($1.1 million).
Starr urged elected leaders to prioritize connected trails and active transportation infrastructure, emphasizing their role in addressing significant transportation, safety, climate and quality of life issues facing communities in the region.
The Circuit Trails Coalition remains dedicated to its mission of advancing the completion of the Circuit Trails network, and looks forward to continuing its progress in the coming years.
The Circuit Trails network consists of 112 miles in the pipeline stage and an additional 254 miles planned. These trails offer excellent opportunities for regional-scale, multi-use paths. The Circuit Trails Coalition, comprising over 60 nonprofit organizations and 25 state and local agencies, promotes the development and benefits of the Circuit Trails. Learn more at www.circuittrails.org.
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