Earlier today, the Buncombe County Tourism Product Development Fund Committee approved funding for Asheville’s River to Ridge greenway project, in addition to providing funding for two city-owned facilities, according to a press release from the City of Asheville.
The grant money allocated to these projects includes a recommended 1.7 million dollars of the $2.2 million requested to go towards developing the Beaucatcher Greenway, French Broad River Greenway, and the Amboy Road Crosswalk and River Access. The Beaucatcher Greenway and French Broad River Greenway will mark the completion of the River to Ridge network, with an 11 mile paved path running throughout.
The Amboy Road Crosswalk and River Access are part of the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the River Arts District and improve multi-modal transportation in the area while linking the RAD to others parts of the city.
In addition to the greenway funding, the TPDF approved $1.1 million in funds for improvements to the JBL Soccer Complex on Azalea Road in East Asheville as well as $313,000 for improvements to the WNC Nature Center. In total, $3.1 million will be invested in city-owned facilities and properties.
“The City of Asheville appreciates the support of the Tourism Development Authority for important improvements needed to enhance our community and make it enjoyable for those who visit Asheville and those who live here,” says Mayor Esther Manheimer via the press release.
The River to Ridge network, part of the City of Asheville’s Greenway Master Plan, encompaases all of the river greenways, including RADTIP paths and the French Broad River West, as well as Clingman Forest, Town Branch, on-street connectors and the Beaucatcher area.
To learn more about Asheville’s River to Ridge network or the Greenway Master Plan, visit ashevillenc.gov or see the official press release below. For more information on the Tourism Product Development Fund Committee and other local grant recipients, check out bctda.org.
Press release:
TDA committee votes to fund River to Ridge greenway network
On Oct. 28, the Tourism Product Development Fund Committee voted to approve funding for a City of Asheville greenway project, and money that will benefit two City-owned facilities. The grants include:
• City of Asheville – River to Ridge Destination Development: $2.2 million requested; $1.7 million recommended to fund Beaucatcher Greenway, French Broad River Greenway, and Amboy Road Crosswalk and River Access. ($625,000 for Velodrome not recommended).
In addition, the committee recommended funding to partner organizations to support improvements at two City-owned facilities:
• JBL Soccer Complex improvements: $1.1 million requested by ABYSA; full funding recommended.
• The Western North Carolina Nature Center improvements: $313,000 requested by the Friends of the Nature Center; full funding recommended.
In total, the TPDF Committee recommended $3.1 million in funding that benefit City-owned facilities.
“The City of Asheville appreciates the support of the Tourism Development Authority for important improvements needed to enhance our community and make it enjoyable for those who visit Asheville and those who live here,” said Mayor Esther Manheimer.
About the River to Ridge network
Together with the existing greenways, construction of the Beaucatcher Greenway and French Broad River West Greenway complete the River to Ridge network, an 11-mile paved path.
The River to Ridge is the entire greenway network that encompasses all the greenways on the river (RADTIP paths and the French Broad River West), Clingman Forest, Town Branch, the on-street greenway connectors, and Beaucatcher.
For more details, see the City of Asheville’s Greenway Master Plan:
http://www.ashevillenc.gov/Portals/0/city-documents/parks/2013_COA_Greenway_MP_Update_Map_11.12.13.pdf
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