DETROIT – A multi-million-dollar grant will help Detroit expand its greenway spaces.
The city of Detroit has made a significant stride in urban development with the announcement of a $20.7 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE, grant. This substantial grant is a testament to the city’s commitment to enhancing its greenway spaces.
The award will help with the Joe Louis Meets Iron Belle: Connecting Communities in Detroit project and signify the community’s collective effort in shaping the city’s future.
“That’s major,” said Sharlene Burris. “That’s what we want. We want to uplift Detroit.”
The money will be used to improve Woodmere Street and Dequindre Street, where the Joe Louis Greenway and Dequindre Cut meet.
Megan Elliott, Co-Chair of the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership, expressed the shared anticipation, saying, “I know for the folks that live on the near-east side that have been waiting for a very long time, asking when are we going to build off of the Dequindre Cut, where is that going to keep going north? This is the project. This is the time. We are all excited about the possibilities this project brings.”
Organizers said grants will help with construction to widen streets, extend the greenway, and add safety features.
“I didn’t think it would be a possibility,” said Lance Woods, Co-Chair of We Run 313.
Woods said his growing run club enjoys taking advantage of Detroit’s expanding public greenways.
That access connects communities and leads to significant improvements in neighborhoods.
“It’s very important for a resident like myself, who didn’t see things growing up,” Woods said. “I mean, the possibilities are endless.”
City workers said the construction is expected to start in late 2025.