State Lawmakers Announce State Financing for Trail
State Reps. Deb Heinrich (D-Guilford, Madison), Mike Lawlor (D-East Haven), Peter Panaroni (D-Branford), Patricia Widlitz (D-Guilford) announced that the State Bond Commission is poised to approve a $665,000 grant to match federal funds for the creation of a trail from Lighthouse Point, New Haven to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.
“We are really excited to announce the release of bond funds to the Shoreline Greenway Trail to provide the required matching funds to access the federal grant secured by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-3),” Rep. Widlitz Said. “The Shoreline Greenway Trail will provide generations to come with a place to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of our shoreline while having a safe place to hike and bike away from our winding congested roads.”
“Having this money available for the Greenway Trail is a win-win situation, with the quality of life for residents being improved with access to the recreational trail,” said Rep. Heinrich. “This trail will build a love of the outdoors for children that will last a lifetime and influence the decisions that they will make about our environment in the future. Additionally, the towns win as this state money will match the federal grant and allow for the continuation of the planning process without the necessity of allocating town funds at this time.”
The grant, given through the Department of Environmental Protection will aid in the completion of the 25-mile trail that is being constructed by the Shoreline Greenway Trail, Inc. Upon its completion the trail will connect parks, railroad stations, village centers and additional trails enjoyed by residents for non-motorized recreation.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see this funding for the Shoreline Greenway come to fruition,” Rep. Panaroni said. “As we connect the dots, from town to town and trail to trail, we are creating a wonderful recreational resource along the shoreline.”
“This funding will touch the many needs that benefit family activities in our towns,” said Rep. Lawlor. “The trail will provide residents and their children with a safe activity place for recreation, sport and exercise, and we are very pleased to report that these developments are in sight for our communities.”
Residents will be able to use the trail for various activities including hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing and cycling.
The allocation of this funding is contingent on the approval of the State Bond Commission, which is headed by Governor M. Jodi Rell. The group is scheduled to meet on Friday, January 25.
Posted: Jan 27, 10:47 AM
« State Senator Ed Meyer Welcomes State Investment in Trail
» We Remember Alex Murphy