Arlington Awarded Grant For Res-Bikeway Connector Trail

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington was awarded a $16,000 grant for the design and engineering of a trail connecting the reservoir to the Minuteman Bikeway. The project was one of 55 in the state to receive a MassTrails Grant this year.

Grant funding was announced on Friday by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The grant will fund a connector trail that extends from the reservoir to the adjacent bikeway, uniting the two recreational areas. Such a trail was identified as advantageous in the town's 2018 Reservoir Master Plan.

Arlington is also adding $4,000 of its own funding to the project. Each town receiving a MassTrails grant must match awarded grants with a minimum of twenty percent in funding or in-kind services for the designated project.

Funding is not just offered to towns but to registered non-profits and municipal, state, and federal agencies.

Funding for MassTrails grants comes from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s capital budget, and from the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles including ATV’s and snowmobiles.

“Massachusetts has an extensive network of public trails connecting communities and regions while offering excellent recreational opportunities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By supporting local trail projects, our Administration is dedicated to building on that network and ensuring residents and visitors can hike, bike and run on safe, well-maintained and accessible trails.”