On September 16, 2009, the Carolina Thread Trail Grants Committee awarded $352,684 in grant funding to communities to design and build trails that will be a part of The Thread's regional network of trails, greenways, blueways and conservation corridors. Since its launch in 2007, The Thread has awarded over $820,000 in catalytic funding to support communities as they develop trails for their citizens to use and enjoy.

The latest round of grants, referred to as implementation grants, was awarded to communities involved in the design and construction phase of the planning process. To be eligible for implementation funding, counties must have approved master plans which serve as "blueprints" for incorporating existing trails, linking destinations and future trails.

There are several categories of implementation grants for which communities with approved plans could apply: design, acquisition and construction. Corridor Design Grants fund preliminary designs for a community's trail segment. Acquisition Grants contribute to the purchase of land that will make up The Thread. Construction Grants fund the actual building of The Thread.
The Carolina Thread Trail is pleased to announce the following recipients of implementation grant funding:

Award recipient: City of Gastonia
County: Gaston, NC
Grant type: Corridor Design
Addressing: Highland Rail Trail
Award: $20,000
Community contact: Jack Kiser

Award recipient: Connect Gaston
County: Gaston, NC
Grant type: Corridor Design
Addressing: South Fork River Corridor
Award: $74,484
Community contact: Gary Mims

Award recipient: City of Mount Holly
County: Gaston, NC
Grant type: Construction
Addressing: Linear Park in Mount Holly
Award: $100,000
Community contact: Greg Beal

Award recipient: Town of Cramerton
County: Gaston, NC
Grant type: Construction
Addressing: Goat Island Recreation Area
Award: $ 69,000
Community contact: Michael Peoples

Award recipient: Nation Ford Land Trust
County: York, SC
Grant type: Design and Construction
Addressing: Nation Ford Greenway
Award: $49,200
Community contact: Beth Chuck

Award recipient: City of Rock Hill
County: York, SC
Grant type: Corridor Design
Addressing: Catawba River Corridor
Award: $20,000
Community contact: Laurie Helms

Award recipient: Town of Fort Mill
County: York, SC
Grant type: Corridor Design
Addressing: Catawba River Corridor
Award: $20,000
Community contact: Brown Simpson
Carolina Thread Trail grant applications are accepted on an annual basis. Look for future application deadlines on The Thread's website, www.carolinathreadtrail.org.

About The Carolina Thread Trail
The Carolina Thread Trail (The Thread) is a 15-county, two state initiative designed to inspire and facilitate the creation of a regional network of trails, blueways, and conservation corridors that will grow together over time linking more than 2.3 million citizens. With technical resources and catalytic funding from The Thread, local communities will plan and implement their portions of this green interstate system. Catawba Lands Conservancy is the lead agency for The Thread, working in partnership with the Trust for Public Land, Foundation For The Carolinas, and many local partners.

About Catawba Lands Conservancy
Catawba Lands Conservancy is a regional land trust that permanently protects land, water and wildlife habitat to enhance your quality of life. The Conservancy protects natural spaces in Catawba, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg and Union counties and is one of 24 land trusts serving North Carolina. Catawba Lands Conservancy is the lead agency for the Carolina Thread Trail.

Additional Resources:
www.carolinathreadtrail.org
www.catawbalands.org