DEC. 14, 2022 - On December 8, Allen Parks and Recreation was awarded a $4 million grant to help fund its work connecting Rowlett Trail to the regional trail system.
Every other year, the North Central Texas Council of Governments offers the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program in order to provide grant funding opportunities to cities and counties who are expanding their alternative (non-motor vehicle) transportation networks – including trails. Organizations submit qualifying projects for consideration and the program chooses which projects receive grant funds.
This year, the City of Allen’s submission placed fourth among participating organizations, which includes Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), the City of Frisco, Dallas County and the Town of Addison.
This grant is awarded based on how well a trail or alternative transportation option provides or improves upon seven factors:
- Connectivity between cities and counties
- Connections and access to major destinations
- Provides safety and facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists suitable for all ages and abilities
- Travel options in areas with greater opportunity for walking and bicycling
- Improves access to disadvantaged populations and underserved communities
- Provides safe crossing of existing travel obstacles
- Ability to obligate funds and initiate construction quickly
Rowlett Trail is planned to be a significant alternative transportation option and will further connect Allen trails to neighboring cities and the wider North Texas trail network. The new additions to Rowlett Trail will include two new bridges connecting the trail to Watters Trail and The Trail at The Woods.
Destinations that will be reachable by Rowlett Trail include The Courses at Watters Creek, Bolin Park, Custer Meadows Park, Oak Point Park (in Plano), Connemara Conservancy Nature Preserve and the upcoming Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center, Molsen Farm and Eugene McDermott Park.
Pictured: A map of the Rowlett Trail project
This is the second grant the Rowlett Trail project has received this year. In June, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department awarded Allen Parks and Recreation $300,000 for the trail project. These grants save the City of Allen and Allen Community Development Corporation funds and help to move the project along faster than first anticipated.
With this additional funding secured, the project planning and review process will continue into 2024. Construction on the remaining Rowlett Trail segments is anticipated to begin May 2025.