Anniston, AL – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded the city of Anniston a $199,180 recreational trails grant to construct a pedestrian connection between the Berman Museum and the Longleaf Event Center. The funding is part of approximately $1.2 million in federal grants awarded to six municipalities across Alabama for recreational trail development and improvements.
The Anniston project will involve constructing a 950-foot-long, 8-foot-wide connective concourse trail linking the two facilities. The city will provide a $49,795 local match, bringing the total planned investment to $248,975.
Gov. Ivey notified Anniston Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston that the city’s grant application had been approved.
The funding comes through the federal Recreational Trails Program, which is supported by the Federal Highway Administration and administered in Alabama by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
The Anniston project is the only Calhoun County project included among the six grants announced.
“These projects will encourage exercise and boost the quality of life for residents,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these funds, which will help create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike to appreciate the state’s natural beauty.”
The planned trail will establish a pedestrian connection between the Berman Museum and Longleaf Event Center, two facilities located within Anniston’s museum and cultural district. The project is intended to improve connectivity between the destinations.
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell emphasized the role recreational trails play in communities throughout Alabama.
“Well-maintained trails are beneficial to people of all ages and make communities more attractive places to live,” Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these projects offering new ways to enjoy the outdoors.”
Additional Recreational Trail Grants Across Alabama
In addition to Anniston’s $199,180 award, five other municipalities received funding:
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Decatur: $321,129 to construct trailhead parking and a 7,750-foot-long, 8-foot-wide biking and walking trail connecting to the existing Dinsmore Slough Trail at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. The city will contribute $80,282 in matching funds.
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Foley: $163,620 to construct a 115-foot elevated boardwalk, observation tower and parking area at Wolf Creek Park. The project will include Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant facilities and park signage. The city will contribute $40,905.
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Garden City: $297,751 to construct eight recreational vehicle campsites with water, sewer and electrical connections, along with a trail linking the campsites to existing amenities and the kayak launch at Garden City River Park. The Cullman County municipality will contribute $74,438.
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Mentone: $160,000 for improvements at Brow Park, including a 900-foot-long, 6-foot-wide trail, a 20-foot-by-20-foot elevated overlook and ADA-compliant parking. The DeKalb County town will contribute $40,000.
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Sylvania: $80,000 to rehabilitate the existing quarter-mile Kendra Dendy Currie Memorial Trail in Sylvania Town Park. The DeKalb County town will contribute $20,000.
The six grants total $1,221,680 in federal funding, with municipalities contributing an additional $305,420 in matching funds. The combined investment across all six projects is $1,527,100.
ADECA administers multiple state and federal programs supporting community development, recreation, law enforcement, energy conservation and water resource management.
For Anniston and Calhoun County, the grant represents an investment of nearly $249,000 in pedestrian infrastructure connecting two local cultural and event facilities.
