North Central, Eastern CT Trails In Line For State Grant Funding

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes Monday announced the release of a series of grants totaling $10 million that will support the planning, building, expansion, and improvement of 45 multi-use trails located in towns and cities throughout Connecticut and trail systems in the eastern and north central part's of the state are in the mix.

The grants are being awarded through Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program, which is administered by DEEP. Funds to support the grants were approved by the State Bond Commission at its October 2023 meeting. Governor Lamont serves as chair of the commission.

Among the recipients are

• The Hop River trail system in Vernon, Manchester, Bolton Andover and Columbia, $284,000
• The Percy Cook Trail In Andover, $83,500
• Soon-to-be developed ADA trails in Hampton at the Little River Prserve, $219,200

"The Connecticut Recreational Trails Program and Connecticut Greenways Council are continuing to serve a vital role in providing funding for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of trails across Connecticut,” Lamont said. "The funding for these 45 projects represents a significant investment in our state’s outdoor economy, and our trails and proximity to nature are a big part of why Connecticut is an attractive place to live and work. I am thrilled to announce funding for these projects, which will improve and expand recreational trail opportunities around our state."

Added Dykes, "These projects represent an investment in our communities, connecting our residents and visitors with open spaces, and providing equitable and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities. Connection to Connecticut’s natural resources benefit everyone physically and mentally and enhance our state’s overall economy. Many of the projects funded by the Connecticut Recreational Trail Grant Program will support active regional transportation corridors that can provide safe, enjoyable alternatives to car travel and reduce pollution. My thanks to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting these important investments in our state-wide trail systems."

Grant funding awarded to the projects can be allocated for a wide variety of purposes, including planning, design, land acquisition, construction, construction administration, and publications for bikeways, walkways, and greenways, as well as for equipment and trail amenities, such as parking lots, toilet buildings, signs, and benches.

Twenty-three of the awarded projects occur within or serve "distressed municipalities and environmental justice communities," which will improve "equitable access to outdoor recreation," Lamont said.

The Connecticut Greenways Council assisted the DEEP with the competitive grant selection process. The DEEP anticipates most projects to be completed by 2027.