State Grants Cash For Greater Hartford Trail Projects

GREATER HARTFORD, CT — State grant funding was announced Monday, June 3, to help several hiking/biking/walking trails and walkway initiatives in several Connecticut municipalities, including Greater Hartford.

Gov. Ned Lamont and state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes said a series of grants totaling $10 million will support the planning, building, expansion, and improvement of 45 multi-use trails located in towns and cities throughout the state.

Greater Hartford projects supported include:

• East Hartford — $262,750 for improvements and connectivity to Lower Great River Park Recreational Trail Network. Funds support the planning/design of the project.

• Hartford — $160,000 for the city's Park Trail Connectivity Action Plan, with funds paying for planning, design and outreach components of the project.

The grants are being awarded through Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program, which is administered by DEEP.

Funds to support the grants were approved by the State Bond Commission at its October 2023 meeting. Lamont serves as chair of the commission.

“The Connecticut Recreational Trails Program and Connecticut Greenways Council are continuing to serve a vital role in providing funding for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of trails across Connecticut,” Lamont said.

“These projects represent an investment in our communities, connecting our residents and visitors with open spaces, and providing equitable and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities,” Dykes added.

Grant funding can be allocated for a wide variety of purposes, including planning, design, land acquisition, construction, construction administration, and publications for bikeways, walkways, and greenways, as well as for equipment and trail amenities, such as parking lots, toilet buildings, signs, and benches.

The Connecticut Greenways Council assisted DEEP with the competitive grant selection process. DEEP anticipates most projects to be completed by 2027.

For a complete list of Connecticut towns/cities benefitting, click on this link.