$134K Funding Boost For Trail Improvements In Morristown 

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A Morristown project recently got recommended for a new county grant, according to a statement from the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

During a public work session in Morristown, Betty Cass-Schmidt, Chairwoman of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee, presented the 2023 grant proposals to the County Commissioners.

Two small but major trail renovations in Madison and Morristown were recommended for 2023.

The Morristown project, known as the Budd Street Pedestrian Trail, includes a $134,838 grant to build a new .26-mile route connecting an existing sidewalk network along Budd Street and Miller Street at Budd Street Park.

The new trail will connect to a playground, basketball courts and ball fields.

“It is no surprise that our Trails Grant program is so well received. Everyone recognizes the benefits of getting outside for a little exercise, recreation or just to decompress. The growing trail network throughout Morris County, including municipal trails augmented by our county grant program, gives everyone an opportunity to enjoy our open spaces," said Commissioner Stephen Shaw, the board liaison to Morris County’s Office of Planning and Preservation.

"It’s important to note that the local trails created and improved through our grants are not always long hiking trails, but may simply be enhancing local parks and greenways. It is an important quality of life aspect we have in Morris County that our residents have come to expect and cherish,” Shaw continued.

The Morris County Preservation Trust Fund, which was established in 1992 and then changed with voter approval in 2002 to establish a Historic Preservation Fund, provides funding for trail projects.

By a three-to-one majority, voters approved a ballot issue in 2014 to amend the fund once more, this time enabling trail development as an eligible use for a portion of the trust fund money.

Since the program's inception, the commissioners have authorized 46 grants proposed by the committee for the construction of about 27 miles of trails. The County Commissioners are to vote on whether to accept the grant recommendations at their meeting on Dec. 6.

“The program continues to build momentum. Each year, we see new municipalities who had not previously participated, apply to the program. There are 14 municipalities that have received more than one grant. Municipalities have the option to submit a design and permitting or a construction application. This allows municipalities to choose a trail development strategy that fits their needs and financial structure and results in better trails for residents,” said Cass-Schmidt.

If Morristown is awarded, it will be the town's third grant. Morristown received financing for the Foote's Pond Wood Trail in 2016 and the Kleitman Wood Trail in 2022.

If the requested projects are approved by the County Commissioners, Morris County will have spent over $5 million to build more than 27 miles of trails since the Trail Construction Grant program began in 2016.