Project Scope:

A new 0.8-mile greenway will connect Rankin Lake Park to Gastonia Technology Parkway. This project will include a paved greenway that will accommodate foot and bicycle traffic.

Background:

The Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program provides a flexible funding source for State and Local governments to fund transportation projects and programs to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its amendments. The legislation is codified at 23 USC Sec 149. In North Carolina, NCDOT serves as the administrator for this program. Many types of projects are eligible under the CMAQ program including bicycle and pedestrian facilities. In addition to improving air quality and reducing congestion, CMAQ projects can improve safety, and promote application of new and emerging technologies. The Federal share for planning, design, and construction is 80 percent, with a 20 percent local match. This project’s State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) project number is C-5606K.This greenway will be part of a much larger trail network connecting to a City of Gastonia project which extends the Highland Park Greenway from downtown Gastonia to Rankin Lake Park.