STAUNTON, Va -- Planning officials are asking for $1.5-million from the Centers for Disease Control.

It is part of a community transformation grant to make small communities healthy. City planners are looking to beautify and expand the city's green-way program and when completed, walking paths and bike lanes will connect Gypsy Hill Park through downtown to the farmers market.

It is all part of an effort to promote healthy and local food.

The plan also suggests the development of a mobile app which will be used to guide tourists throughout Staunton.

“Three million tourists a year have the potential of coming to Staunton and walking on our streets and roads,” said Director of Planning Sharon Angle.

The Centers for Disease Control are looking to give out up to 50 grants like this throughout the country. They plan to make their decision in September.

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