SUNLAND PARK, N.M (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Local officials said the connection will help tie together different communities across the region while showcasing the area\u2019s scenery.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just about exercising, it\u2019s about using trails to get from one place to another,\u201d said Jana Renner, senior program officer for the Paso de Norte Health Foundation. \u201cThis will be the first trail that really connects one side of the county to the other.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving the Rio Grande run through these communities, it\u2019s such a beautiful amenity with wonderful views of the Franklins and Mount Cristo Rey. These are just opportunities that we haven\u2019t capitalized on in the past, and we\u2019re doing it today,\u201d Perea said.<\/p>\n
Sunland Park and El Paso County officials said the new trail is expected to be completed in the next five years.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso County commissioners get update on Ascarate Park bond upgrades timeline<\/a><\/p>\n