Urban Category Winner
Craven Street Transportation Improvements
Asheville
Nominated by French Broad Metropolitan Planning Organization
This project connects to the larger greenway network in Asheville. It realigned the street so people could walk, bike or run the greenway while enjoying views of the river, visiting artist studios as well as restaurants, shops and breweries.
Honorable Mentions
Rural Category Winner
Granite City Greenway (Phase 3)Surry CountyNominated by Northwest Piedmont Rural Planning OrganizationThis $6.5 million investment into the community has increased Sanford's overall accessibility and aesthetics by improving bicycle, pedestrian and roadway features in downtown. Sanford's Streetscape Project has spurred economic growth and development, stimulated business investments and provided a venue for several new events.
Honorable Mentions
- REACH Transit in Shelby
- Surf City Topsail Island Bridge Connector
Tourism Category Winner
Albert J. Ellis Redevelopment Project
Onslow County
Nominated by Onslow County
Onslow County redeveloped the airport's terminal which has boosted tourism, allowed businesses to expand and increased employment in the area. The airport is now a source of community pride and enhances the county's ability to attract new visitors, businesses and residents.
Honorable Mentions
Innovation Category Winners
REACH Transit
Shelby
Nominated by Transportation Administration of Cleveland County
REACH Transit is a fixed route that runs in Shelby. Residents use this public transportation lifeline to get to medical facilities and pharmacies, grocery stores, and a community college. Many people were unable to access these places previously.
Honorable Mentions
Most Voted Project Winner
Surf City Topsail Island Bridge Connector
Surf City
Nominated by the Town of Surf City
The Surf City Topsail Island Bridge Connector replaced the aging, 1950s-era steel truss drawbridge that served as a critical link between Surf City and Topsail Island. The new bridge has improved traffic flow and helped the local economies by enabling people to more easily access businesses in Surf City and Topsail Island.
Honorable Mentions
- Thermal Belt Rail Trail: Connecting Great Small Towns