As a parent of children who have to venture out onto the shoulders of busy roads to get anywhere, this makes my heart flutter in my chest.
The Governor’s goals for the proposed Statewide Trails and Pathways program are to:
o Build a world class interconnected pathway network
o Support creation of local jobs
o Link communities internally to support local sustainable economies, and externally to grow connections between neighborhoods, towns and cities
o Develop sustainable practices in the creation of the network, such as supporting native landscaping and natural habitats
o Support health communities by providing affordable, active transportation choices
o Re-establish Delaware in the Top Ten of Bicycle Friendly states (we’re at #17 right now)
o And, develop strategies for the ongoing maintenance and upgrades of existing facilities.DelDOT and DNREC have identified seventeen (17) proposed projects for discussion and possible construction over the next 2-3 years, covered by an initial investment of $7 million earmarked for trails in the 2012 Bond Bill. This funding will maximize the state’s ability to leverage federal and private dollars for these projects.