McNeill announces $1.65 million for D&L Trail connection project

CATASAUQUA, Jan. 12 –  A nearly 2-mile stretch of the Delaware & Lehigh Trail that will connect Catasauqua and Hanover Township with Allentown will be completed through state funding announced today by state Rep. Jeanne McNeill.

“The D&L Trail is an unbelievable asset for the greater Lehigh Valley to give residents increased opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “This funding will help close a major gap in the trail and improve the quality of life for the residents of the communities in the area.”

According to McNeill, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Inc. was awarded $960,000 for development of the D&L Trail in Catasauqua. Work will include construction of approximately .75 miles of trail from Race Street to the Catasauqua/North Catasauqua border. ADA access, landscaping, project signs and other related site improvements will be implemented.

Additionally, Hanover Township was awarded $693,700 for development of the D&L Trail in the township. Work will include construction of approximately .5 miles of trail from the Hanover Township/Allentown border to US-22 and an at-grade road crossing. ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements will be implemented.

McNeill said the two projects were part of seven trail grants awarded totaling about $3 million.

The grants are administered by the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program. This C2P2 special grant opportunity highlights helping underserved communities, closing trail gaps, supporting an invigorated focus on the outdoor recreation sector, and planting trees along streams and in communities. The 2023 grant round will open Jan. 17 and close in April.