Leland awarded nearly $1 million for new multiuse path along South Navassa Road
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Leland has been awarded nearly $1 million in grant funding to expand walking and biking access along South Navassa Road.
The town announced Friday that it received $973,600 through the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (WMPO) Fiscal Year 2029-2030 Locally Administered Projects Program (LAPP).
The funding will support preliminary engineering and construction of a new multiuse path designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle connections in the area.
The planned path will be 10 feet wide and stretch approximately 0.29 miles along South Navassa Road to Loop Road, where it will connect with an existing multiuse path.
Town officials say the project will provide safer and more accessible transportation options for residents traveling on foot or by bicycle.
The path is also intended to improve connections between nearby residential developments, Village Road, Leland’s Gateway District, Sturgeon Creek and future recreational amenities.
Part of Leland’s long-term transportation plans
The town identified the South Navassa Road project as a high-priority multiuse path in its Integrated Mobility Plan, which outlines efforts to improve transportation options and connectivity throughout Leland.
The project also aligns with several regional transportation planning initiatives, including the Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail Feasibility Study and the WMPO 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
According to the town, the improvements are intended to strengthen connections between neighborhoods and community destinations while expanding transportation options beyond vehicle travel.
Funding awarded through regional program
Leland was one of four WMPO member jurisdictions awarded funding through the Locally Administered Projects Program.
The program supports transportation improvements across the Wilmington region, including work on public roads, bridges, highways, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transit facilities.
The $973,600 awarded to Leland will help move the South Navassa Road project through preliminary engineering and construction.
The town has not announced a specific construction start date or estimated completion date.
The project is expected to move forward in the coming years as Leland continues working to expand its network of pedestrian and bicycle connections.
