State Grant Awarded For UConn-Based Trail Project

MANSFIELD, 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 $200,000 for a UConn-based project.

A total of $206,049.50 has been allocated for UConn Extension to fund a program that documents user data for 16 trails across the state. The survey began as a pilot from 2016 to 2018.

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

To sign up for Manchester breaking news and more, click here.