Phoenix wins multimillion dollar grant to expand Grand Canal path
Oct 29, 2015, 2:00 PM
Before photos of the canal project. (Photo: grandcanalscape.com)
(Photo: grandcanalscape.com)
PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix won a $10 million grant to enhance the development of a path along the Grand Canal, according to a recent press release.
The grant, which was given by the U.S. Department of Transportation, will be used to build eight miles of a multi-use path, install crosswalk beacons and develop footbridges along the Grand Canal.
This development, the second phase of the Grand Canalscape project, will complete the trail from eastbound Interstate 17 to the city of Tempe border.
The second phase is planned to connect pedestrian walkways and bike systems.
Phase I of the project is currently in design and is expected to start construction in the summer of 2016. It includes six miles of a path along the canal from 15th Avenue to 16th Street and Garfield to Van Buren streets.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said in the press release the grant will help transform the canal project to a “pedestrian-friendly” area.
“This grant will help transform the Grand Canal from an under-utilized water delivery asset into a bike and pedestrian-friendly pathway that is full of life and activity,” the press release read. “This is a great investment that will help our canal system reach its massive potential as a community resource.”
Phoenix Councilwoman Thelda Williams said in the press release the grant will allow the city to accomplish the project, which will aim to promote transportation options along the canal.
This is the first grant of its kind — called the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant — that Phoenix has received.
