The City of Norfolk is excited to announce that it has been awarded $2,086,412 in RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding will support the planning and design of the Local Intermodal Network Connection (LINC) project, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity, accessibility, and safety for Norfolk residents.
The LINC project will focus on design for a 4.8-mile multi-modal path that connects key areas of the city, including Skyview Park, the Cowboy Trailhead at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, and the downtown. The design will feature a 10-foot-wide paved shared use path, and associated infrastructure improvements to accommodate the new path. The design will also include enhanced landscaping, lighting, trail signage, pedestrian crossings and updated curb ramps at all intersections, ensuring a safe and accessible route for non-motorized travelers. The design will provide planning for pedestrian crossings at the City’s two major highways and also facilitate the design of major storm sewer enhancements necessary to safely connect citizens and bike riders to the Cowboy Trail along First Street.
“This is a big win for Norfolk,” said Mayor Shane Clausen. “This project is all about making it easier and safer for people to get around town—whether you’re walking, biking, or just enjoying our parks and trails. This grant helps us take a significant step toward building a community that works better for everyone.”
The project will enhance safety for non-motorized travelers by providing a route that protects travelers from vehicular traffic, adding lighting for those walking or biking at night.
Additionally, the project will improve the quality of life for residents by giving them better access to recreational areas and provide a route for biking and walking around the community. The project will provide affordable transportation options in underserved and disconnected areas of the community and will enhance safe access for residents to daily destinations such as school or work and connecting the business district to other parts of the city.
“Congratulations to the City of Norfolk on this opportunity to improve our city’s transportation network,” said Congressman Mike Flood. “Norfolk has been a leader in growing our City’s quality of living and building beautiful community spaces. I look forward to seeing this new project come to life and the impact it has as the City of Norfolk continues to grow and thrive.”
The City of Norfolk is proud to lead this effort in collaboration with local stakeholders and community members. In total 195 highly rated projects of merit requested funding for the first round of FY2025 RAISE funding, Norfolk was one of the 109 projects selected for funding.