RALEIGH, N.C. — New federal funding is now a "dream come true" for community leaders and residents in downtown Raleigh’s southside.

The money will go toward safer biking and walkways through historic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks.

Area leaders celebrated the news at John Chavis Memorial Park.

"Thank you for recognizing and appreciating the history that led us to where we are today," said Carmen Cauthen, a member of the South Park East Neighborhood Association.

Cauthen and other community leaders have long sought financial support for their vision.

"To tell the stories of Raleigh’s African American legacies from Dix Park, a former plantation, the amazing legacies to be shared throughout the South Park Heritage Walk," said Cauthen, referring to the newly-funded plan.

U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross helped secure the $3 million federal grant for the project, signed by President Joe Biden in March.

"When this project is completed, residents and visitors alike will be able to take a walk through south Raleigh, seeing history unfold before their eyes," Ross said.

The future "South Park Heritage Walk and Chavis-Dix Strollway" will provide safer access beyond Chavis Park, past historic landmarks like Shaw University and connecting cyclists and pedestrians to historic Dix Park.

"I always say it will be the largest park from DC to Disney," said Raleigh City Councilmember Corey Branch.

To celebrate the future, Ross, Raleigh Mayor-Ann Baldwin and many others took a short ride-sharing bike trip. Once the work is done, cyclists and pedestrians can more safely travel to local businesses, art exhibitions and local restaurants.

Baldwin said it will be an educational experience for many people.

"Documenting our history, ensuring that people are aware of our history is so important to moving forward and addressing equity issues," Baldwin said.