Canton Receives State Grant For Farmington River Trail

CANTON, CT — Canton has received nearly $600,000 in grants for the extension of the Farmington River Rails to Trails Greenway, according to a statement from State Sen. Kevin Witkos (R-Canton).

Funding has been approved for the following projects:

• $599,982 Grant-in-aid to the Town of Canton for the extension of the Farmington River Rails to Trails Greenway by extending the existing shared use path/active transportation route from the intersection of State Rte. 44 and State Rte. 177 east on State Rte. 44 through the Shoppes at the Farmington Valley (110 Albany Turnpike).
• $2,733,500 Grant-in-aid to the City of Torrington for the Five Points Center for the Visual Arts to finance renovations to the former University of Connecticut Torrington Regional campus.

"I am extremely appreciative to the State Bond Commission and to the Governor for seeing the value in both of these projects and for approving this funding," Witkos said in a statement. "Rails to Trails projects throughout the state, and especially throughout the 8th Senate District are used by thousands of residents and visitors and continue to be a popular way to enjoy the outdoors. In addition to providing a fun way to exercise and remain active, these trails are a perfect link to local businesses and are incredibly beneficial to our local economy and the many small businesses along the trail route."

"Over the past several years the Five Points Center for the Visual Arts has made tremendous headway in transforming the former University of Connecticut Torrington Campus into what will eventually be a world class center for the arts, just 5 minutes from downtown Torrington. Arts play a major role as an economic driver and this funding will prove to be a wise investment," added Senator Witkos.