Detroit Secures Federal Grants to Build Bridges, Connect Communities with Joe Louis Greenway

Left to right, Councilman Scott Benson (District 3), Jessica Parker (City of Detroit Group Executive for Public Services), Crystal Perkins (City of Detroit General Services Department Director), Leona Medley (Joe Louis Greenway Partnership Executive Director) and Bishop Edgar Vann II (Senior Pastor and CEO of Second Ebenezer Church) at USDOT Grant Announcement January 15, 2025.
The transformation of Detroit continues with a new infusion of federal funding aimed at revitalizing communities, connecting neighborhoods, and creating a legacy that prioritizes accessibility and environmental sustainability. Detroit has been awarded $12.5 million in federal grants to support the construction and design of the Joe Louis Greenway, a transformative 30-mile regional pathway that will connect 23 Detroit neighborhoods to neighboring cities and redefine how residents engage with their city.
The Biden-Harris Administration announced a $10.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration under the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP).
 
This grant will fund the construction of a one-mile segment of the greenway stretching between Woodward Avenue and Dequindre Street, a critical pathway linking Detroit and Highland Park. This corridor, historically divided by industrial routes, railroads, and a major freeway, will soon provide a safe and accessible east-to-west passage for non-motorized transportation.
 
The significance of this development was underscored by Bishop Edgar Vann II, Senior Pastor and CEO of Second Ebenezer Church, located near the planned path. Reflecting on the area’s history, Bishop Vann noted, “There was an abandoned truck depot where we’re sitting right now, there was an abandoned railroad over where we’re talking about the greenway today and to know and understand that the president sends nearly $11 million to this spot so it can be redeveloped into premier land that will be used for building the quality of life for our community is just exciting to me on another level.” This vision of transformation exemplifies the promise of the Joe Louis Greenway to uplift communities long overlooked by traditional development efforts.
 
This stretch of the greenway, scheduled to begin construction in late 2026 and conclude by early 2028, will include a new bridge over the Canadian National Railroad and redevelopment of vacant land under I-75. The revitalization efforts will mirror the completed segment between Joy Road and Tireman Avenue, offering a glimpse into the greenway’s potential to reshape neighborhoods into vibrant, accessible spaces. Crystal Perkins, Detroit’s General Services Director, described the impact, saying, “We’ve cleared years-worth of blight in the Midwest-Tireman neighborhood and have paved a new path in Detroit’s story—this grant helps us build on that.”
 
In addition to the construction funding, a $2 million grant under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) will support the planning and design of the greenway segment at Lonyo Street between Patton Park and Romanowski Park. This section aims to bridge another gap in connectivity, reflecting the greenway’s overarching mission to unite multiple communities across the city. With additional match support from the Michigan Infrastructure Office and the City of Detroit, this project further exemplifies collaborative investment in Detroit’s future.
 
Leona Medley, Executive Director of the Joe Louis Greenway Partnership, spoke about the broader significance of these grants, saying, “This $10.5 million federal grant represents a transformative investment in the Joe Louis Greenway, bringing us closer to realizing a vision of connected communities, equitable access, and active transportation options for all. The Partnership remains committed to supporting community, fostering collaboration, and advocating for projects that uplift and unite our neighborhoods.” This sentiment captures the essence of the greenway: a space designed not only to improve infrastructure but to strengthen the social fabric of Detroit.
 
Since construction began in 2021, the Joe Louis Greenway has steadily progressed as part of Mayor Mike Duggan’s Blight to Beauty Initiative. This initiative prioritizes turning neglected spaces into community assets, reinforcing Detroit’s commitment to equitable urban development. The greenway serves as both a practical infrastructure project and a symbol of Detroit’s resilience and ingenuity. The first milestone, the Warren Gateway trailhead and park, laid the groundwork for what has become a regional effort, raising $211 million to date to fund the ambitious project.
 
The ATIIP grant awarded to Detroit is part of a larger $44.5 million federal investment in active transportation projects across 13 states and Puerto Rico. It is noteworthy that the Joe Louis Greenway is the only project in Michigan to receive funding through this program, a reflection of its significance and the strong advocacy for Detroit’s equitable urban planning efforts. The greenway project stands as a model of what can be achieved when federal, state, and local entities align with a shared vision for inclusive development.
 
This level of investment speaks volumes about the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to rebuilding cities with equity at the forefront. The Joe Louis Greenway, named in honor of Detroit’s iconic heavyweight boxing champion and cultural figure, represents more than a pathway; it is a bridge between communities, a connection to Detroit’s history, and a pathway forward for residents to engage with their environment and each other in meaningful ways.
 
Beyond the physical infrastructure, this project demonstrates the power of community-centered urban planning. By transforming former industrial zones and blighted areas into green spaces, Detroit is creating opportunities for residents to thrive in spaces designed with their needs in mind. As Bishop Vann expressed, this isn’t just about beautifying land—it’s about enhancing the quality of life for the people who call this area home.
 
While the work ahead remains substantial, the momentum generated by these grants propels the greenway closer to completion, inching toward a reality where 23 Detroit neighborhoods are seamlessly connected to three neighboring cities—Dearborn, Hamtramck, and Highland Park. This integration redefines how Detroiters navigate their city, prioritizing accessibility, safety, and sustainability.
 
Medley’s words resonate deeply, capturing the essence of what the Joe Louis Greenway promises: “connected communities, equitable access, and active transportation options for all.” It is this vision that positions the greenway as a transformative force, not just for Detroit but for urban planning nationwide. The collaboration between federal agencies, local government, and community leaders exemplifies the potential of equitable investment in America’s cities.
 
For Detroiters, the Joe Louis Greenway represents more than a series of trails and bridges. It is a testament to the city’s determination to reclaim its spaces, redefine its narrative, and prioritize its people. It is a project rooted in the belief that access to safe, green spaces should not be a privilege but a right. As the community watches the greenway take shape, it becomes clear that this is about more than infrastructure—it’s about building a Detroit where everyone has a place and a path forward.

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