Delaware County Awards Nearly $5M in New Green Ways Grants to 22 Projects

Released: January 26, 2024

Delaware County Awards Nearly $5M in New Green Ways Grants to 22 Projects

Delaware County has awarded nearly $5 million in new Delco Green Ways Grants, the fourth time the County has issued funding for projects and programs that advance the County’s 2035 Open Space, Recreation and Greenway plan goals: Conserve, Enhance, Connect.

This year, a total of 22 projects, representing 20 municipalities and one non-profit, will receive a total of $4,993,479 in funding. Projects receiving grants range from $39,960 for a trail feasibility and connectivity study in Upper Chichester, $120,000 for basketball courts in Yeadon Borough, and $500,000 to fund trail connectivity work in Upper Darby Township. A total of $975,000 was awarded to acquire park land in Brookhaven, Norwood, and Upper Chichester.

“The Delco Green Ways program is a testament to our commitment to improving the quality of life in Delaware County, making our communities more vibrant, green, and accessible for all,” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “County Council is excited to fund such a wide range of projects here in Delaware County, enhancing and connecting our green spaces.”

The Green Ways program, authorized in 2016 and launched in 2019, makes funds available to municipalities and non-profit organizations working with municipalities for projects that will improve the quality of life of county residents, workers, and visitors.

"We're excited to unveil the newest Delco Green Ways Grants, aimed at a wide array of initiatives including park expansion, trail development, and enhancements to existing parks and public areas," said Gina Burritt, Director of the Delaware County Planning Department. "The variety and scope of these proposed projects truly underscore the significance, popularity, and impact of this program."

A total of 47 applications from 39 municipalities and 2 nonprofits were received by the September 29, 2023 deadline, requesting a total of $10,168,667 million. The Evaluation Team members dedicated significant time to reviewing each application and additional time in group work sessions discussing the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities presented by each submission.

The Team’s discussions and recommendations were organized around County Council’s annually updated funding priorities that consistently support communities with a history of disinvestment and ensure Green Ways Grant funds were leveraged to the greatest extent possible.

Delco Green Ways: A Brief Lookback

In October 2019, the inaugural Green Way Grants awarded $4.5 million––leveraging $20 million in matching funds––to the 26 municipalities who applied, totaling 38 grants. In 2021's round 2 there were 43 projects funded, including one non-profit and 38 municipalities. A total of $7,172,521 was invested throughout Delaware County and leveraged an additional $7,892,683. Last year, County Council awarded $4.99 million to fund 24 projects in 23 municipalities, and leveraged an additional $5.83 million of outside matching funds, results in a total of $10.83 million in ‘on the ground’ improvements in Delaware County—with over half of those funds invested in historically disadvantaged communities.

For more information about this year's winners, as well as previous years', please visit DelcoPA.Gov/GreenWays.

Delco Green Ways Round 4 grant winners are listed below by grant type and municipality.