EASLEY — The Greenville Pickens Area Transportation Study (GPATS) approved the funding Monday for its Unified Planning Work Programs for 2011 that will be used for parts of Easley’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

The City of Easley will be given $20,000 in grant money to use on the plan that’s already on its way.

The City of Easley will also match the funds with $5,000 as required which brings the total amount to $25,000. The amount will be used by the city for a feasibility study for the development of the Brushy Creek Greenway.

The Brushy Creek Greenway will be around three miles and bikers will be able to travel from downtown Easley through the J.B. Red Owens Sports Complex and on to the new Easley High School located on Pelzer Hwy.

“The study will confirm the layout of the route and identify potential challenges and solutions for the bicycle and pedestrian path,” according to City Administrator Fox Simons. “This includes confirming easements and looking for any permitting issues.”

One major issue that is already being talked about is the path will cross under Hwy. 123. This means the path will need to include a tunnel.

“The initial plan is to complete the trails on each side of Hwy. 123 and then at a later stage, work on the tunnel,” Simons said.

Christine deVlaming has been working with the city on getting the bike trails in place.

She said she is excited about the progress that is being made. “It’s really happening,” she said. “It’s there, visible, for people to see.”

Visit www.bikeeasley.com or www.cityofeasley.com to see the full Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Read more: The Easley Progress - GPATS approved funding for Easley’s Greenway bike trail