Stamford Receives State Funds For New Multi-Use Trail

STAMFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont this week announced the release of a series of grants totaling $10 million to support with planning, building, expansion an improvement of 45 multi-use trails throughout Connecticut, and included is money for Stamford.

Stamford will receive $223,608 for planning and design work on the Weed Avenue Multi-Use Trail project.

The grants are being awarded through Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program, which is administered by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT-DEEP).

"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 in an announcement. "The funding for these 45 projects represents a significant investment in our state’s outdoor economy, and our trails and proximity to nature are a big part of why Connecticut is an attractive place to live and work. I am thrilled to announce funding for these projects, which will improve and expand recreational trail opportunities around our state."

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons expressed excitement about receiving the state funds.

"We are excited to receive this state funding for the design of the Weed Avenue multi-use trail," Simmons told Patch via an emailes statement through a spokesperson. "This trail will include multimodal and traffic calming improvements to increase walkability, safety, and mobility and advance our Vision Zero program goals."

There is currently no timeline for construction, according to the city of Stamford, but CT-DEEP anticipates most projects to be completed by 2027.

"These projects represent an investment in our communities, connecting our residents and visitors with open spaces, and providing equitable and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities," CT-DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in an announcement. "Connection to Connecticut’s natural resources benefit everyone physically and mentally and enhance our state’s overall economy. Many of the projects funded by the Connecticut Recreational Trail Grant Program will support active regional transportation corridors that can provide safe, enjoyable alternatives to car travel and reduce pollution. My thanks to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for supporting these important investments in our state-wide trailsystems."

Grant funding can be used for a 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.

Twenty-three of the awarded projects occur within or serve Connecticut’s distressed municipalities and environmental justice communities, Lamont's office said, which will improve equitable access to outdoor recreation.