Two significant grants funding the Belton Rail Trail were received recently.  The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor provided a $20,000 matching grant to assist with the Rail Trail costs.  The funds reimbursed the Belton Alliance for portion of the cost of grading, sub grading and paving the trail.  The grant was coordinated by SCNHC Executive Director Michelle McCollum and Grants Coordinator Yuka Greer.  Pictured are McCollum presenting the check to 2019-2010 Belton Alliance President Kevin Craft, 2017-2018 President Greg Tysl and Rail Trail Committee Chairman Michael Gilreath.

The South Carolina Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department provided a $100,000 grant to complete landscaping and lighting on Phase I of the project.  A portion of this grant will be used to begin Phase II of the project as the trail is extended along North Main Street to Leda Poore Park.  The grant was secured by State Senator Mike Gambrell and Representative Jay West.  The check was presented by Gambrell and West during the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Belton Depot on December 1.  Left to right in the picture below:  Wendell Page, Belton Mayor, Senator Mike Gambrell, Representative Jay West, Belton Council Member Eleanor Dorn and Rail Trail Committee Chair Michael Gilreath.