Henry County will break ground later this month on a new walking trail that has been several years in the making.

Leaders will hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the  path, which will begin near Austin Road Middle School and run to the Henry-Rockdale County lines, at 11 a.m. Jan. 23 at 2620 Highway 155 southwest in Stockbridge.

The project, with will be part of metro Atlanta’s PATH system, will tie Henry County to the trail network on the east side of Highway 155 at Panola Mountain State Park.

The federal government is expected to provide $2.7 million for the trail while Henry County will pitch in more than $540,000 from a transportation enhancement grant.

Henry Commissioner Bruce Holmes, in whose district the trail will be constructed, said the trail has been a long time coming.

“We’ve gone through a number of ups and downs with this project over the past eight years,” he said. “There have been times where I’ve had my doubts. However, we’re finally here and this very important quality of life initiative is moving forward.”