Today, Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia and New Jersey State Assemblyman Angel Fuentes of Camden joined a coalition of leading foundations, public agencies, and non-profits (including Tri-State) to announce a campaign to complete a bi-state, multi-use trail network [pdf] in southern New Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. The network, which has been named “The Circuit” after a 2011 contest, will help connect area residents to places of employment and recreational opportunities within the cities of Camden and Philadelphia and throughout the region. At today’s press conference, held on the Schuylkill River Trail in Center City Philadelphia, the Circuit Coalition also unveiled an interactive website that allows pedestrians and bicyclists to plan trips, learn about new trail segments, and support the completion of the entire network.

Today’s announcement builds upon Camden’s momentum towards promoting more sustainable development and complements the region’s existing Camden GreenWay and the area’s upcoming TIGER and William Penn Foundation-funded street improvement and trail projects.

“When complete, the Circuit will be one of the signature features of Greater Philadelphia—the nation’s finest trail network, providing non-motorized access from the Appalachian Trail to the Atlantic Ocean,” said William Penn Foundation President Jeremy Nowak today. The William Penn Foundation is a major project funder.

As the network continues to grow, The Circuit will give residents and visitors healthy and safe transportation options. By connecting neighborhoods with open space and employment centers, The Circuit also has the potential to spur economic development and increase property values [pdf] throughout the area.