MassTrails awards $8.6M for trail improvement, expansion

The Healey-Driscoll administration on June 24 announced more than $8.6 million in funding through the MassTrails grant program for projects throughout the state.

The funding is going to trail projects in 65 municipalities, as well as to state efforts to improve existing trail networks.

The MassTrails program provides matching grants to communities, public entities, individuals, Native nations, and nonprofit organizations to help fund the planning, creation, and maintenance of trails suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, including walking, running, hiking, cycling, skiing, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle use.

Projects related to recreational trails are eligible for up to $100,000 in funding, while shared-use path projects can receive up to $500,000.

“MassTrails grants help communities improve and expand trail networks, making them more welcoming, accessible, and connected, and inviting more people to get outside,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle in a prepared statement.

Grant recipients in this year’s cycle are working on projects in the following municipalities: Becket, Belchertown, Berlin, Billerica, Boxford, Carver, Clinton, Concord, Dover, Dudley, East Bridgewater, Easthampton, Erving, Everett, Falmouth, Florida, Framingham, Gardner, Georgetown, Grafton, Great Barrington, Hancock, Hardwick, Hawley, Holliston, Lanesborough, Lee, Lenox, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Monroe, Monterey, New Bedford, New Braintree, Newbury, Northampton, Northborough, Norwood, Orleans, Otis, Pittsfield, Quincy, Revere, Rochester, Sandisfield, Sandwich, Saugus, Savoy, Shrewsbury, Southampton, Stoneham, Sturbridge, Swampscott, Tolland, Topsfield, Wareham, Washington, Webster, Westborough, Westfield, Westport, West Springfield, Winchendon, and Windsor.

Visit the MassTrails Grants webpage for a list of all awarded projects and more information on the program and trail development.