State Awards West Hartford Large Chunk Of Cash To Improve Bicycle Trail

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Millions of dollars in state grants aimed at transportation safety were awarded to multiple towns this week, including West Hartford.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto Monday, Nov. 17, announced that the state is awarding nearly $12 million in grants to 17 towns and cities for projects that will improve transportation safety and mobility.

As part of this initiative, West Hartford is receiving $384,552 to connect a bicycle trail from West Hartford Center to the Trout Brook Trail.

The grants are being awarded through the state Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor welcomed the funding.

“We are thrilled and deeply grateful that West Hartford has been awarded funding for the West Hartford Center to Trout Brook Trail Bicycle Connector Project. This investment will make a meaningful difference in strengthening safe, accessible, multimodal connections between our vibrant town center and one of our most beloved community assets," she said in a statement Thursday.

"We want to thank Governor Lamont, Commissioner Eucalitto, and the entire CCGP team for their continued commitment to improving transportation safety and connectivity across Connecticut. This project aligns perfectly with our Vision Zero goals and our ongoing work to expand active-transportation options for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Now in its seventh round of awards, this state-funded program provides financial support for local infrastructure initiatives that make conditions safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and bicyclists in urban, suburban, and rural centers.

“Connecting residents with their communities through these projects is vital to boosting economic development, creating dynamic town centers, and encouraging alternative modes of transportation like walking or biking,” Lamont said. “Supporting this program improves the quality of life for towns and cities across the state.”

“We remain focused on increasing safety and enhancing connectivity across Connecticut,” Eucalitto said. “This grant program, which helps fund these important community-driven projects, is an integral part of our mission. This state funding is helping towns and cities deliver important projects. We’re grateful to Governor Lamont and the General Assembly for their continued support of these efforts.”

The funding limits for grants awarded in this solicitation can only be used for construction activities that range from $100,000 to $800,000.

To date, 155 awards totaling approximately $74 million have been invested from this program into Connecticut’s towns and cities.

Municipalities selected to receive grants are expected to complete the projects within three years.

For more information about the Community Connectivity Grant Program, visit portal.ct.gov/ccgp.