West Norriton Gets $80K For Betzwood Park Trailhead Project

WEST NORRITON, PA -- West Norriton will receive a $80,000 grant from the county to help improve the Betzwood Park Trailhead.

The funding was part more than $1 million in Montco 2040 Implementation Grants which were disbursed to projects in thirteen municipalities, the county announced Thursday. Montco 2040 is the county's comprehensive plan which focuses on connecting communities and improving both environmental sustainability and the economy.

“Montgomery County is focused on continuing to build on our success in making the county the best place to live, work, play, and open a business," Valerie Arkoosh, the chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, said in a statement. "We achieve these goals by partnering with our local municipalities to create connected communities, sustainable places and a vibrant economy. These grants represent diverse projects that will improve and enhance the high quality of life in the county."

Projects were selected for funding for their potential impact and how they satisfied one of the county's three "focus categories": supporting downtowns, improving trails and paths for walking and biking, and revitalizing office parks.
The funding in West Norriton falls into the second category. According to the county:

"West Norriton Township will construct an ADA-compliant access path at Betzwood Park connecting the park to the Schuylkill River Trail. For years, local residents have utilized an unofficial and unsafe naturally created path, which has now been closed off by the township, to access the Schuylkill River Trail. The planned connection will not only serve local residents but offers a new opportunity for employees within the office parks on Trooper Road to easily access the regional trail along the Schuylkill River. The project is supported by the township’s open space and comprehensive plans."

This grant program has awarded more than $2 million in grants to projects across the county since it was launched last year.

Image via Montgomery County