On Sept. 16, the Carolina Thread Trail Grants Committee awarded $352,684 in grant funding to communities to design and build trails that will be a part of a regional network of trails, greenways, blueways and conservation corridors.
Since its launch in 2007, The Thread has awarded more than $820,000 in catalytic funding to support communities as they develop trails for their citizens to use and enjoy.
Gaston County communities received four grants in the latest round.
The implementation grants were awarded to communities involved in the design and construction phase of the planning process. To be eligible for implementation funding, counties must have approved master plans which serve as “blueprints” for incorporating existing trails, linking destinations and future trails.
There are several categories of implementation grants for which communities with approved plans could apply: design, acquisition and construction. Corridor Design Grants fund preliminary designs for a community’s trail segment. Acquisition Grants contribute to the purchase of land that will make up The Thread. Construction Grants fund the actual building of The Thread.