MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $96,000 grant for repairs and improvements to a portion of the popular Chief Ladiga Trail in east Alabama.
The grant will enable the city of Piedmont to refurbish nine bridges within the portion of the trail maintained by the city. The city will replace support structure, flooring and handrails on the bridges that have become worn over time from use by cyclists, runners and walkers.
The trail is a paved path on a former railroad bed that extends 32.5 miles from the Georgia state line through Piedmont, Jacksonville, Weaver and Anniston. The trail hosts several recreational events per year, including a half marathon and fitness challenge.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
Bentley notified Mayor Bill Baker that the grant had been approved.
Contact: Mike Presley or Larry Childers