Monroe Receives State Grant For Recreational Trail Project

MONROE, CT — Monroe is one of several Connecticut communities to receive a portion of $10.5 million in state grants for recreational trails projects, Gov. Ned Lamont and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced this week.

The state is providing grants for 50 projects aimed at building, expanding, restoring and improving multiuse trails across Connecticut.

According to a news release provided by the governor's office, Monroe is receiving $288,000 for maintenance, equipment and outreach related to the following project: "Monroe Recreational Trail Project – Housatonic Rail Trail."

The grants are being distributed through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program following a competitive review by DEEP in partnership with the Connecticut Greenways Council. Funding was previously allocated by the State Bond Commission.

Projects receiving funding include new trail construction and rehabilitation, bridge replacements, accessibility improvements, trailhead and parking upgrades, planning and design work, and long-term maintenance.

"Connecticut's extensive trail network is one of our state's greatest outdoor assets," Lamont said in a news release. "These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work. I'm proud that we're continuing to invest in projects that will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come."

Twenty-five of the 50 projects are located in or serve Connecticut communities classified as distressed municipalities or environmental justice communities.

"Trails connect people with nature, strengthen communities, and provide opportunities for recreation, active transportation, and healthy living," DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino said in a news release. "Whether someone is hiking, bicycling, paddling, horseback riding, or simply enjoying time outdoors, these projects will improve access to safe, high-quality recreational experiences across Connecticut. We are grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for their continued commitment to investing in our statewide trail system and expanding opportunities for residents and visitors alike."

The Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program provides funding to communities, land trusts, nonprofit organizations and state agencies for trail projects.

Connecticut trails recorded more than 2.7 million users at 27 monitored locations statewide in 2025, according to the Connecticut Trail Census, which is managed by the UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research.

The state's outdoor recreation industry contributes approximately $6 billion annually to Connecticut's economy, supports more than 50,000 jobs and generates about $2.8 billion in wages and salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account.

Article written by Alfred Branch, Patch Staff