NR 9.27.22 City of Eugene Awarded $1.2 Million Grant to Support Suzanne Arlie Park DevelopmentEUGENE, OR. – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space for phase one of the Suzanne Arlie Park development – the ridgeline trail connection and mountain bike amenities. Construction on phase one is expected to begin in 2024.This project will expand Eugene’s multi-use trails and create new dedicated mountain bike trails, in addition to a mountain bike skills park, that will be part of larger county-wide mountain biking opportunities.“Eugene just completed its first dedicated mountain bike trail this year,” said Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis. “This funding allows us to create a whole network of trails and a skills park – additions that will draw and delight mountain bikers from across the region after many years of expressing desire for such an area.”The EDA grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan, an investment to help boost tourism, create jobs, and fortify the local recreational infrastructure.This grant will be matched with 2018 Parks and Recreation bond funding to complete the first phase of Suzanne Arlie Park development. By leveraging bond dollars with other funding sources, the number and scope of projects that can be undertaken is greatly increased. As new bond projects have been completed and transition to park operations stewardship, levy funds will provide for their maintenance.
I AM SO STOKED TO GET PUMPED ABOUT THIS!