The borough of Weatherly is pursuing grants to build a hiking and biking trail that officials believe will be an economic boon to the community.

The borough is applying for a second federal Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization grant and a state Local Shares Account, or gaming grant, to help build the second phase of the estimated $4.5 million, five-mile loop trail that will connect Weatherly to the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails, and also to the 165-mile Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor trail.

The trails typically attract tourists who love the outdoors. The Weatherly trail’s construction has begun, thanks to a $1.5 million AMLER grant.

A parking lot has been built on a historic site where train cars have been placed, and a museum established in a former railroad telegraph office. The actual trail begins at the end of Yeakle Street in the borough and the convergence of the Quakake and Hazle creeks.

The borough’s former train station, which housed the borough offices until about three years ago, was sold to a developer who intends to attract tenants who will provide services - perhaps shops or a restaurant - that will interest hikers and bikers.

Weatherly Borough Manager Harold Pudliner said the state grant is a new one, and it does not require a match. If the borough is successful in getting both grants, the LSA could match the new AMLER grant.

The federal government has allocated $88 million to be distributed equal between Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky, or $29.3 million each, while $35.2 million is to be distributed among Ohio, Virginia and Alabama, or $11.7 million each.

This time, Pudliner said the borough is applying for a $2.5 million AMLER grant.

The only action council took Monday was to approve an ordinance to vacate portions of Eighth and Pardee streets to pave the way for the construction of a home by Dominic DeFranccesco.