SUNLAND PARK, N.M (KFOX14/CBS4) — Sunland Park leaders marked the start of a new regional trail project on Thursday that will link communities in southern New Mexico and El Paso County.

Sunland Park city leaders broke ground on Thursday morning for the upcoming Rio Grande Trail, a path that will connect to the Paso de Norte Trail in El Paso.

Local officials said the connection will help tie together different communities across the region while showcasing the area’s scenery.

“It’s not just about exercising, it’s about using trails to get from one place to another,” said Jana Renner, senior program officer for the Paso de Norte Health Foundation. “This will be the first trail that really connects one side of the county to the other.”

Speaking to KFOX14/CBS4 on Thursday, Sunland Park Mayor Javier Perea also highlighted the importance of having the trail’s natural setting along the river corridor.

“Having the Rio Grande run through these communities, it’s such a beautiful amenity with wonderful views of the Franklins and Mount Cristo Rey. These are just opportunities that we haven’t capitalized on in the past, and we’re doing it today,” Perea said.

Sunland Park and El Paso County officials said the new trail is expected to be completed in the next five years.

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