Wendell receives $500K state funding for Buffalo Creek Greenway project

WENDELL, N.C. (WTVD) -- The town of Wendell has been awarded $500,000 in state funding for the Buffalo Creek Greenway project.

The grant is a part of the Great Trails State program, Governor Josh Stein announced Thursday, which has allocated $11 million for trail development in the Piedmont region and $13 million in the Mountains and Coastal Plain areas.

"The Piedmont is known for its cities and world-class universities, but from Pilot Mountain to the Haw River, it's also home to some of our state's most amazingwildlife and natural wonders,"Stein said."This funding will spur local tourism and encourage more people to explore North Carolina's incredible beauty."

Buffalo Creek, which will connect with the Main Street Greenway as Wendell's first greenway, is nearing the construction portion of its first phase. Phase I will create a paved multi-use path in Wendall Path, connecting existing trails and following the general path of Buffalo Creek, a sub-tributary of Neuse River.

Future phases will connect downtown to the Robertson Millpond Preserve north of US 64/I-87, Wake Tech Community College's eastern campus, Carver Elementary School, East Wake High School and numerous neighborhoods and commercial centers along its path.

"We are grateful to have received this award from the State towards the first phase of our Buffalo Creek Greenway project," Wendell Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Polaski said. "This greenway, upon completion, will be transformative for outdoor recreation across Wendell and eastern Wake County, connecting neighborhoods and schools to parks and outdoor spaces. We are excited to get started."

The town said this project represents Wendall's ongoing goal of providing outdoor recreation amenities and facilities for everyone.

This project was one of 79 selected statewide by the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Communities could apply for grants to fund new trails and extend existing trails, including paved trails or greenways, natural surface trails, biking trails and equestrian trails. Towards the project, over $44.5 million were provided in matching funds for total trail investments exceeding $69.3 million.

SEE ALSO: Funding approved, construction to begin on new greenways in Apex