EASTON, Pa. – Running, walking and biking are heading to the next level in Northampton County.
A big boost in state funds will help the county develop a new recreational trail, nearly 18 acres, between Easton and West Easton.
An elevated trail and linear park, similar to New York City’s Highline, is soon coming to the area.
The long time coming “Easton Highline” project has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Shapiro-Davis Administration, after a federal grant was rescinded.
“Maybe I’ll bring my bike, and we can bike across the highline,” said Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis.
Davis visited Easton with state and local lawmakers on Friday.
“I can’t wait to come back for the ribbon cutting,” said Davis. “We’re redeveloping former industrial sites and revitalizing communities, like Easton.”
The initiative is part of the DCNR’s $82 million award to hundreds of projects across the state.
“Every time I come to Easton, it just looks better and better,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary.
Easton Mayor Sal Panto said the project is making history.
“This is the only highline that will connect two states in the whole nation,” said Panto.
It will line the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers and connect neighborhoods to the Two Rivers Trail Network. Future links will be to the D&L Trail and the Morris Canal Greenway in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
Officials are hoping the highline will create opportunities for recreational activities and bring in in tourism.
“These projects don’t stop at municipal borders, they really connect all the neighborhoods families and strengthen our entire county,” said Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski.