Delaware Congressional Delegation Hails Grant Award for Delaware City and C&D Canal Trail Project

WILMINGTON – Today, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Rep. John Carney (all D-Del.) congratulated Delaware City for receiving two grant awards from the United States Department of Agriculture to aid in the construction of a new trailhead and trail connector from Delaware City to the C&D Canal Recreation Trail.

For this effort, Delaware City received a $100,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant award and a $50,000 USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program grant award, which helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. This project will connect to the C&D Canal Recreation Trail and establish an inviting gateway to the central business district on the Delaware River. The project aims to construct a bridge and asphalt trail facilities from the C&D Canal Trail past the historic African Civil War cemetery winding up to a recently upgraded pedestrian crossing at State Route 9, and across it bringing visitors north into the central business district.

“Grants like this one will help link Delaware City to the C&D Canal Recreation Trail and encourage those using the trail to also visit the Delaware City community and learn about its rich and historic beginnings,” said Sen. Carper. “In the long run, this project will provide trail users with easy access to Delaware City small businesses while also promoting a healthy lifestyle. That’s just the type of win-win situation I envision for this project as it serves our community for years to come.”

“These funds will do more than just help build a connector between Delaware City and the C&D Canal Recreation Trail — Delawareans will have yet another way to connect with all that Delaware City has to offer,” Sen. Coons said. “Delaware City’s small businesses will benefit from the increased tourism that a new trailhead and trail connector will bring. I’m looking forward to taking advantage of this new recreational opportunity to further explore what Delaware City and the C&D Canal have to offer.”

“An important benefit of the C&D Canal project is connecting the communities along the trail,” said Congressman Carney. “These grants will allow all the visitors to the trail to experience Delaware City and visit its many small businesses and restaurants. I’m excited that the plans for the C&D Recreation Trail are coming together and look forward to its completion.”

“As the main anchor point of the C&D Canal Trail, the completion of the trail will bring many new tourism-related opportunities to Delaware City,” said Mark Chura, Delaware City Main Street manager. “The grants received today will fund capital improvements that will make the town’s many attractions more accessible to trail users and other visitors to town. We are delighted that these grants will help Delaware City’s continuing efforts to make its canal front a vibrant and attractive designation point, and wish to thank the entire delegation and their collective staff for their support.”

“USDA Rural Development is pleased to be a partner in funding this innovative project with the State of Delaware,” said Jack Tarburton, USDA Rural Development state director. “There is no doubt that these have been tough times, and they’re very tough for many in Delaware who are looking for work. This is a great return of taxpayer dollars coming back home that will help create jobs and boost our economy.”

“The residents and business owners of Delaware City are very appreciative for the efforts of our entire Congressional Delegation in securing these grants,” said Delaware City Mayor John Buchheit. “We are excited about the opportunity to share the many attractions of our great city, ranging from historical to shopping and eating establishments. We look forward to offering our hospitality to the many new visitors that come to our town as a direct result of these efforts.”

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