State Grant Awarded For Cheney Trail Project In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced more than $3 million in grants for 19 projects "to plan and design, build, expand, or enhance and improve multi-use trails and greenways across the state," including more than $150,000 for a Manchester project.

In Manchester, a total of $162,452 has been allocated for the Cheney Rail Trail Extension so a gap can be filled in the trail system, which is also part of the East Coast Greenway

The $3 million was allocated at the end of July by the state bond commission. Turned-back funds from previous grant years provided an additional $173,530.50 to allow funding awards for most of the highly ranked proposals.

The Connecticut Greenways Council serves as an advisory committee to the DEEP for grant selection and the DEEP received 73 applicants.

Funds received through the program may be used for locally supported trails and trail systems, bikeways and multiuse paths. Grant money 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.

DEEP officials said most projects should be completed by the spring of 2021.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

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