Concord Awarded $135K For Assabet River Pedestrian Bridge

CONCORD, MA — Concord was awarded a $135,000 grant for its Assabet River Pedestrian Trail and Bridge project. Concord's 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 multi-model bridge over the Assabet River connecting the West Concord Village business district and the West Concord Commuter Rail Station to the largest employment center in town. The project closes a major first/last mile gap and expands potential trail connections in the community.

Concord is also adding $250,000 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. Concord exceeded that requirement.

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.”