The D&L Blog

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) will once again be offering funding to help create and foster a trail-friendly atmosphere within the five-county Corridor and along the D&L Trail in 2024.

This year, $15,000 is available for events and amenity projects to help improve trail user experiences along the D&L Trail to get more people outside and active. Available reimbursement funds range from $2,000 maximum for events and $5,000 maximum for amenities, with various matching funds required.

Since the program began in 2018, DLNHC, with the help of partners and funders, has awarded over $145,000 in funding for projects resulting in an economic impact of over $286,000 in communities along the Corridor. To date, we have funded 24 projects including benches, bike racks, landscaping, ADA bridge enhancements, trail resurfacing, 5K races and walks along the trail, canal lock repairs, spin-a-thons, trailhead enhancements, trash receptacles, bike rides, murals, and festivals, among others.  

As we open another year of funding, new applicants and past recipients are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants include D&L Trail landowners, partner non-profits, and D&L Trail Friendly Businesses. Projects are approved on a rolling basis until all funding is allocated. We anticipate funding this year to be more competitive due to the success of the program.  

Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to your event or amenity implementation and/or installation. If you want DLNHC staff present at your event, please provide the request and your application as early as possible for staff scheduling. Events submitted in the first quarter and those with a significant impact on our mission will be given priority.  

This funding is intended to serve as a resource for partners in the five county Corridor to support much needed amenities and kickstart new programs and events. The funds are not intended to be a sustainable funding source to support the same project year to year – if you are planning to apply for a previously funded event, it must include new aspects to be considered, like a highlight of the D&L Trail, your trail town, or trail friendly businesses in your community.  

The first step of the application process is to visit the D&L Trail Town Amenity and Event project pages for more information and application forms. Once you have an idea for your project, please contact DLNHC Economic Development Manager, Alice Wanamaker, at [email protected] to discuss your project.  A completed application, budget, and written landowner permission are required.