Capital Projects Update

Author
Lane Fike
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$3 Million RACP Grant Will Support Extension of Schuylkill Banks Below Bartram's Garden

SRDC and the City of Philadelphia were thrilled to welcome Governor Tom Wolf to the Banks last Monday, when he announced a $3 million state RACP grant to aid in the development of the Bartram’s to Passyunk trail and greenway, a 2.25 mile segment of Schuylkill Banks.   The Governor was joined by Senator Anthony Williams, Representative Jordan Harris, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, Senator Vince Hughes, Representative Dwight Evans, Representative Maria Donnatuci, DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn, SRDC Chairman Jerry Sweeny, Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell to announce a $3 million state grant to aid in the development of a 2.25 mile section of the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia.

“With the help of our investment, the Schuylkill River Development Corporation will be able to reclaim and redevelop brownfield sites along the river,” Governor Wolf said. “Turning a former eyesore and blighted area into a new and accessible space for city residents, we will create a valuable resource in a currently underserved neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia.”

The feasibility study for this project has been completed, and design is underway. SRDC is grateful for the Governor’s support and looks forward to extending the trail to the Elmwood and Eastwick neighborhoods.

PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant Allows for Completion of the Trail from South to Christian

PennDOT announced the award of its Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grants late last week, and SRDC received $911,000 for the completion of the Schuylkill Banks trail between South Street and Christian Street, extending the trail southward from the southern end of the Boardwalk. This project is well underway, and this grant will allow us to complete landscaping and plaza paving, and install irrigation, fencing, trail furniture, lighting and signage. CHOP expects to erect their pedestrian bridge linking their beautiful new tower to the trail this year. With the opening of the new tower and the trail, this section of Schuylkill Banks will certainly become a popular destination. 

Bartram’s Mile is Nearing Completion


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most work is completed on the North End and in Bartram’s Garden. The contractor on this project, JPC, is now concentrating on the shared use path and roadway of Botanic Avenue and the Plaza at 56th Street. This portion of the project will be completed late this year. Guests who have visited the site are excited by the spectacular views from the trail and the Plaza. The erection of the 20-foot tall trellis at the Plaza will provide a dramatic landmark to trail users and boaters on the river. Stay tuned for a ribbon cutting announcement!

Send Your Thanks to Mayor Kenney and City Council!

Schuylkill Banks is a great asset because of the ongoing support of the City of Philadelphia, including Mayor Kenney and City Council. Elected officials have to make hard choices regarding where to spend limited funds. If you love using the trail and are excited about future trail extensions that will make the trail accessible to more Philadelphians, take a moment to reach out to the Mayor and City Council and thank them for their support of Schuylkill Banks!

Mayor Jim Kenney

[email protected], (215) 686-2181

Council President Darrell Clarke

[email protected], (215) 686-3442

Councilwoman-At-Large Blondell Reynolds Brown

[email protected], (215) 686-3438

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell

[email protected], (215) 686-3418

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson

[email protected], (215) 686-3412