The Flint River Trail Project Secures a Whopping $50M Federal Grant

Atlanta’s Pioneering Outdoor Initiative for a Greener City

In a surprise announcement earlier this week, it was unveiled that the Atlanta BeltLine branch collectively known as the Flint River Trail project has secured a considerable federal grant amounting to $50M. This revelation spurred curiosity and subsequent questions about this elusive Flint River Trail project and its connection to the Atlanta BeltLine.

Delving into the Flint River Trail

The oblique term “Flint River Trail” is an umbrella term that pertains to Atlanta Regional Commission’s application for federal infrastructure funding in 2023. This proposal signified the intent to create a connector pathway from the Atlanta BeltLine all the way to Flint River. The objective was to establish a direct and accessible route from the city to the southside natural water source.

Pertaining to the origin of Flint River, it stems near the Atlanta Airport. The river, however, is often concealed by culverts, veiled beneath runways or cordoned off on airport properties. From its proximate source, the river spans across over 340 miles and eventually merges with Chattahoochee River at the Florida border.

The Grand Design of the Flint River Trail

In line with the compelling vision of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the Flint River Trail project aims to develop a continuous, multi-use trail branching off the Atlanta BeltLine near the Lee + White district in West End, leading all the way down to Lovejoy. The proposed trail covers a length of around 31.5 miles. However, the completion of this trail network is yet a distant dream.

According to Paul Donsky, an ARC spokesperson, the recently announced $50-million federal grant—sourced from a bipartisan infrastructure bill sanctioned by the Congress in 2021—will be diverted towards the establishment of the specifically outlined ‘purple’ segments of the trail. The two ‘purple’ sections, numbered two and thirteen, are hypothesized to be more construction-ready as their planning by the City of East Point and Clayton County have already commenced.

Anticipated Milestones for the Flint River Trail

In the context of Clayton County, the emerging one-mile trail will forge a connection between Drew High School and the Southern Regional Medical Center. The longer trail segment, spanning 1.6 miles will run through East Point. The trail will extend along U.S. 29 (Main Street), starting from the city’s historic downtown, right up to the Lakewood MARTA station, situated north of Langford Parkway. The colonial Hills neighborhood stands to be reconnected with the broader city due to this project – an area split apart by the construction of Langford Parkway in the 1960s.

It should be noted here that the City of East Point is independently laying out a four-block trail that will pass by the East Point MARTA station, thereby bridging the existing gap.

However, the enactment of the Flint River Trail project, particularly the second and thirteenth segments, is scheduled to start only by 2030 due to the comprehensive procedures involved, such as environmental review, acquisition of right-of-way, securing Georgia Department of Transportation’s permission, and final approval. The estimated date of project completion is 2032.

A Ray of Hope for Trail Enthusiasts

On the brighter side, the first segment of the Flint River Trail is projected to materialize sooner. Extending south of the BeltLine along Lee Street, the 2.6-mile trail will run between West End and the Lakewood MARTA station. The elevated concrete trail is designed to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users safely, with a landscaped buffer separating the trail from the vehicle lanes.

A Green Step Towards Future

In essence, the Flint River Trail project symbolizes Atlanta’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and urban renewal. The much-anticipated trail network will not only strengthen the city’s connectivity but also foster community engagement and public health.