Salt Lake awards $11.5M for 9-Line overhaul

Salt Lake City said on July 7 that it had secured $11.5 million from the Bezos Earth Fund to remake the 9-Line corridor and the nearby Fleet Block with new trees, planting, pedestrian amenities and public open space. The money comes through the fund’s Greening America’s Cities initiative, which the city said selected eight U.S. cities for grants in 2026. (slc.gov) Mayor Erin Mendenhall said the investment is intended to make the two sites “more welcoming, more usable, and more connected.” The city’s plans center on the 9-Line, a heavily used east-west trail corridor, and Fleet Block, an 8.75-acre former city maintenance site in the Granary and Central Ninth area. (slc.gov) ### Where is the money going? The city said $9.5 million of the total will go to the 9-Line Trail, where Salt Lake plans to convert 9.5 blocks — about 1.7 miles — of gravel park strips into planted corridors. The work is set to include 285 trees, 350 water-wise shrubs, drip irrigation, new soil, benches, tables, wayfinding and other placemaking features, according to the city announcement. Deseret News reported that about $2 million will support green space within the Fleet Block project near 900 South and 300 West. That portion is tied to a park area across from the 9-Line corridor and near the city’s 300 West bike lane connection. (slc.gov) ### What exactly changes along the 9-Line? Salt Lake City said the 9-Line improvements are designed for pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders and bus passengers who use the corridor. The city said the added tree canopy and shrubs are meant to provide shade, cool the air and improve air quality along a route that now has long stretches with little cover. (slc.gov) Deseret News reported that city officials estimate more than 500,000 bike riders and pedestrians use the trail. The route now runs from the Jordan River Surplus Canal west of Redwood Road to 1100 East in the 9th and 9th neighborhood, the report said. (deseret.com) ### What is Fleet Block, and why is it tied to this project? Fleet Block is an 8.75-acre city-owned site bordered by 800 and 900 South and 300 and 400 West that previously housed city vehicle maintenance, repair and fueling operations until 2009, according to the city’s project page. Salt Lake City said it has spent more than a decade preparing the property for redevelopment through environmental cleanup, rezoning and community planning. (slc.gov) The city said the largest parcel on the southeastern corner — three acres — is being turned into public open space with commissioned public artwork. The broader redevelopment is also planned to include mixed-use development on northern parcels and new mid-block streets and walkways linking the site. (deseret.com) ### Who is backing the project? Mayor Erin Mendenhall said the investment is about making daily trips and public spaces easier to use in summer heat, while also supporting local businesses along the corridor. Tom Taylor, chief executive and president of the Bezos Earth Fund, said the national program is intended to weave green space into daily urban life and turn overlooked land into community assets. (slc.gov) The Bezos Earth Fund said Greening America’s Cities launched in 2023 and has now invested $150 million across 11 cities, with a stated goal of $400 million in total. Salt Lake City said it was one of eight cities to receive funding in the 2026 round. (slc.gov) ### What happens next on the ground? Salt Lake City’s Fleet Block page says the redevelopment’s next phases include public open space, public artwork, mixed-use development and mid-block streets. The city said its Public Lands and Arts Council teams are continuing work with community members and area stakeholders on the open-space design and artwork. (slc.gov) Deseret News reported that the city’s public lands department showed a preliminary rendering at a March open house, including a lawn, trees, natural features, a small amphitheater lawn and a stormwater garden. The city’s project page says residents can sign up there for Fleet Block updates as planning advances. (deseret.com) (slc.gov) (slc.gov)