Raleigh, NC – Governor Josh Stein announced yesterday that eastern North Carolina's natural beauty and recreational opportunities are set to receive a significant enhancement, with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) awarding over $2.6 million to trail development and restoration projects in the region. These crucial funds were made available through the General Assembly's landmark Great Trails State Program.

"Eastern North Carolina and the Carolina coast are some of our state’s greatest assets – and a great draw to bring people to enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer,” stated Governor Josh Stein. “This funding will help eastern North Carolina increase tourism, improve quality of life, and introduce more people to our state’s natural beauty.”

The Great Trails State Program, established in 2023 with a historic $25 million investment, aims to solidify North Carolina's reputation as the "Great Trails State." The program offers matching grants to local governments, public authorities, regional councils of government, and nonprofit organizations for a diverse range of trail projects.

Pamela B. Cashwell, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, emphasized the broader impact of these investments. “Trails bring incredible benefits to both urban and rural communities, boosting tourism and economic development,” said Secretary Cashwell. “This generous funding, made possible by the N.C. General Assembly, will help transform the state trails system in the Great Trails State.”

This latest round of funding for eastern North Carolina supports 10 local trail projects, totaling $2,634,785. Notable projects include design work for the South Croatan Highway multi-use path extension in Dare County, significant reconstruction at Greenfield Park in Wilmington, and various initiatives to enhance and expand trails and boardwalks throughout the eastern region. This announcement follows last week's allocation of $11 million by Governor Stein for trail projects in western North Carolina, underscoring a statewide commitment to trail development.

Palmer McIntyre, director of the N.C. Great Trails State Coalition, expressed gratitude for the General Assembly's foresight. “The 125 member organizations of the Great Trails State Coalition thank the North Carolina General Assembly for creating and funding the Great Trails State Program,” McIntyre said. “This visionary investment in all types of trails across the state will deliver transformative economic, health, and quality-of-life benefits for communities of all sizes. The Coalition will continue to work alongside N.C. State Parks to support this program.”

The grant application process saw strong interest from local communities, with the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation receiving 89 applications requesting $28 million. Ultimately, 79 projects were selected across the state. The program requires matching funds from applicants, resulting in over $44.5 million in local contributions and a total statewide trail investment exceeding an impressive $69.3 million. Projects funded encompass a wide array of trail types, including paved greenways, natural surface trails, biking trails, and equestrian trails, and can cover everything from planning and design to construction and maintenance.

Eastern North Carolina grant recipients and amounts include:

• Dare County: Town of Nags Head, $100,000 for Design for South Croatan Highway multi-use path extension

• Dare County: Dare County, $269,000 for Marshall & Gussie Collins Walkway Maintenance Project

• Edgecombe County: Freedom Org, $265,985 for Princeville Heritage Trail Expansion

• Edgecombe and Nash Counties: City of Rocky Mount, $162,600 for Tar River Paddle Trail Access Renovation (Mile 88 to 124)

• Martin County: Roanoke River Partners, Inc., $400,000 for Hamilton Rosenwald River Center and Amenities

• New Hanover County: City of Wilmington, $500,000 for Bridge and Boardwalk Reconstruction in Greenfield Park

• Pasquotank County: City of Elizabeth City, $100,000 for Pasquotank Blueways Feasibility Study

• Pender County: East Coast Greenway Alliance, $177,200 for East Coast Greenway Country Club Dr. Corridor NC-210 MUP

• Perquimans County: Town of Hertford, $160,000 for Hertford Riverfront Boardwalk Plan

• Pitt County: City of Greenville, $500,000 for Wildwood Park to River Park North Boardwalk

These investments are poised to significantly enhance the recreational landscape of eastern North Carolina, providing residents and visitors with more opportunities to explore and appreciate the state's diverse natural treasures.