An effort to convert an unused rail line into 42 miles of trails connecting six cities and two counties was bolstered by a $10,000 grant from Google.

Google awarded The Trust for Public Land a grant to engage a diverse group of public officials, nonprofits, community members, corporate partners and citizen groups to plan the Eastside Rail Corridor. The Trust for Public Land will work to develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy to disseminate information about the Eastside Rail Corridor, gain input for determining the future of the corridor, and build broad support for the project.

“The support from Google’s Washington offices is instrumental in launching the Eastside Rail Corridor project. This grant will help us lead the effort to create and realize the vision for a recreational trail and transportation route that will connect six cities and two counties,” said Mike Deller, Washington State director of The Trust for Public Land.

The grant will help provide multiple opportunities for community groups and the general public to learn about the status of the project and provide input. These will include public open house meetings where The Trust for Public Land and partners will display maps of the Corridor and present an overview of potential options for its future. The public will have opportunities to review maps, ask questions, and offer their opinions about various alternatives.

“We see Google’s partnership and financial commitment to the Corridor as an opportunity to leverage and engage local corporations and businesses and ensure residents’ needs are met,” said Deller.

Through their Community Grants program, each Google office location makes grants to local nonprofit organizations and schools that address four core areas:

• Bridging the digital divide

• Educating about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

• Reducing the carbon footprint

• Training small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and schools to use online tools effectively