PATH400 Set to Receive $12.66 Million in City, Federal Funding

TSPLOST and proposed TIP funding to complete 5.2-mile greenway in Buckhead

ATLANTA – December 18, 2017 – Today, Livable Buckhead announced that it has reached a major milestone in the development of PATH400SM, identifying funding to complete the 5.2-mile greenway in Buckhead. The funding will come from a combination of city and federal sources. Atlanta City Council voted to allot $5 million in TSPLOST funding to the project, while the Atlanta Regional Commission included $7.42 million in its transportation improvement program project list that allocates funding from the Federal Highway Administration.  Another $240,000 in Federal Highway funds are slated for design of a PATH400 extension from Loridans Dr. to the Sandy Springs city limit.

“Getting this support from Atlanta City Council and Atlanta Regional Commission underscores PATH400’s value as a critical piece of the region’s transportation infrastructure,” said Denise Starling, executive director of Livable Buckhead. “The trail is already making it easier for people to get around Buckhead on foot and by bike. When we complete the full 5.2 miles and when the BeltLine and northern segments are ready to connect to PATH400, it will be a true game-changer.”

PATH400 was on the list of TSPLOST projects approved by voters in November 2016, but funds had not been committed to the project. Councilman Howard Shook advocated on behalf of PATH400, submitting legislation that allocates funds from the second year of TSPLOST and lining up support from Mayor Reed and the other City Council members. That legislation was approved by the full council on November 20. “The competition for these dollars is fierce, so I want to thank Mayor Reed for recognizing the importance of this project, and ensuring that it was fully funded before leaving office,” Shook said.

ARC’s TIP project list will go through a 30-day public comment period that begins December 18. Following that, the list must be approved by the ARC and Georgia Regional Transit Authority boards before it becomes final.

“Based on current construction estimates, this funding should be enough to finish the original 5.2 miles of the greenway,” said Starling. “We may need to do additional fundraising in the future to support programming on PATH400 or to add new features, but the TSPLOST and TIP funds are a huge win and we’re thrilled to get them.”

Construction is expected to begin in January on a one-mile segment of PATH400 that will run from Miami Circle and across GA 400 to the back of Lenox Square. This is a critical piece of the trail, as it will provide access to the Lenox MARTA station via a spur trail being built by the Buckhead CID as part of its East Paces Ferry complete street project. Construction on the Miami Circle to GA 400 segment will take approximately one year.

For more information about PATH400 or to sign up to receive project updates, visit path400greenway.org.

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About Livable Buckhead

Livable Buckhead is a nonprofit organization that strives to ensure the long-term viability and prosperity of the Buckhead community. The organization achieves its mission by working cooperatively with individuals, public entities and private businesses to integrate sustainable strategies. Livable Buckhead implements programs related to greenspace, recycling, energy efficiency, commute alternatives, arts and culture, real estate development and land use. For more information about Livable Buckhead and its programs, visit livablebuckhead.org.

About PATH400

PATH400 is a 5.2-mile walkable, bikeable greenway being constructed on public land adjacent to GA400 extending from the bank of Peachtree Creek northward toward the northern edge of Atlanta. It is the centerpiece of a broader greenspace plan, the Buckhead Collection, initiated by Atlanta Councilman Howard Shook. Livable Buckhead is spearheading the PATH400 project in partnership with the Buckhead Community Improvement District (Buckhead CID) and the PATH Foundation. Several other agencies and organizations are involved in the development of PATH400, including Georgia Department of Transportation, the City of Atlanta, MARTA, Atlanta Neighborhood Planning Unit B, and Atlanta Public Schools. PATH400 will increase access to community amenities such as arts, historic, and cultural exhibits; neighborhood pocket parks and greenspaces; retail centers; and learning centers. For more information about PATH400 or to donate to the capital campaign, visit livablebuckhead.com.

About PATH Foundation

In just 24 years, PATH has developed over 235 miles of trail throughout Georgia and has become a nationally recognized model for trail-building success. PATH’s linear parks have become part of the landscape in urban and rural areas, in affluent and impoverished communities. PATH trails are bringing people together from all races, ages, income levels and cultural backgrounds.  Significant progress toward building Atlanta a network of trails includes: The Silver Comet, Stone Mountain, Lionel Hampton, Westside, Arabia Mountain, Chastain Park, South Decatur Trolley, Northwest Atlanta, and Freedom Park Trails.

 

 

 

 

 

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