Rep. Mike Thompson Announces $2.5 Million in Federal Funding for Napa Vine Trail
Napa, CA,
Aug 12, 2011 -
Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1), a senior member of the House Committee and Ways and Means, today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is awarding over $2.5 million in federal funding to help complete the Solano Avenue segment of the Napa Vine Trail. When completed, the Napa Vine Trail will be one of the premier transportation systems in the country, connecting the entire Napa Valley from the Vallejo Ferry Terminal to Calistoga. The trail will generate significant economic, recreational, and environmental benefits, as well as increase the Napa community’s transportation capacity.
“The Napa Valley Vine Trail is exactly the kind of smart, targeted investment that will strengthen our economy while improving the quality of life in our local communities,” said Rep. Thompson. “Thanks to the generosity of the Department of Transportation and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, we’re one step closer to making this forward-thinking transportation project a reality.”
“This grant provides the pivotal funding to connect 60% of Napa County's population together between Yountville and the City of Napa on a safe walking and biking trail separated from Highway 29,” said Chuck McMinn, Founder and Executive Director of the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition. “We are extremely excited to receive it and gratified that our project was recognized for funding from among the many projects submitted from across the United States.”
Today’s funding announcement comes less than three months after Congressman Thompson brought Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to the First Congressional District to see firsthand how transportation investment has increased Northern California’s economic competitiveness. During the trip, Secretary LaHood had the opportunity to visit the Napa Valley Vine Trail, where he delivered remarks on the importance of bike and pedestrian trail funding and took a walking tour of the “Yountville Mile” – the Vine Trail’s first completed portion.
