CITY OF FIFE WILL RECEIVE $800,000 TO IMPROVE TRAIL ACCESS AND SAFETY
Lakewood, WA – On National Trails Day, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA 10) and the City of Fife announced $800,000 in federal funding for the Sheffield Trail Improvement Project in Fife, Washington.
“Sheffield Trail is a critical connector for the South Sound,” said Rep. Strickland. “Providing federal funds to help further connect South Sound communities allows them to thrive, and I thank the City of Fife for prioritizing such a vital project for the region.”
“The Fife City Council and I are extremely grateful to Congresswoman Strickland for her support of our Sheffield Trail project, which connects multifamily housing to important community amenities like a grocery store, elementary school, and library,” said City Manager Derek Matheson. “In addition to the $800,000 she secured specifically for the trail, Congresswoman Strickland was a leader on the COVID-era American Rescue Plan Act, which is contributing almost $650,000 to the project, as well.”
This project addresses priorities for underserved populations by providing a highly-requested, free outdoor recreational activity that serves as an equity stabilizer within the community. Expanding Fife’s walking trails and biking options is one of the community’s priorities. This specific trail also improves transportation and access for 20% of Fife’s population in neighboring apartment complexes and a retirement community.
The overall project supports four primary goals:
- Improving the first 1,200 linear feet of the trail, starting at the south end. The current trail is badly damaged by roots and is too narrow to move machinery down for maintenance.
- Widening the existing trail from 5 feet to 10 feet, with 3-foot buffers on either side allowing the trail to serve as a Lahar evacuation route for the community.
- Installing lighting, making the trail safer and more accessible for all users.
- Restoring vegetation.
This award is one of 14 FY23 Community Project Funding (CPF) grants Congresswoman Strickland secured. Read more about these here: https://strickland.house.gov/media/press-releases/strickland-secures-19-million-south-sound
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