Mansfield Awarded Funding for Bicentennial Pond Universal Access Trail

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced Thursday that it has awarded $7 million in grants for 38 projects to build, expand, or enhance greenways and multi-use trails in more than 27 communities across the state, including Mansfield.

The Bicentennial Pond Universal Access Trail has been designated to receive $253,471 for a 0.7 mile trail around the pond, and spurs to handicapped parking for school and bath house.

“Through our Recreational Trails program we are providing funds that will provide attractive opportunities for more families to enjoy the outdoors, and to have the chance to spend time together outside,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. “We applaud Governor Malloy and members of the General Assembly for making these funds available and allowing us to continue improving and connecting the many tremendous trail and greenway networks in our state.”

According to a letter from DEEP spokesman Dennis Schain, DEEP expanded the scope of its Recreational Trails Program under terms of Public Act 15-190, which allowed the agency to provide funding for a full range of multi-use trails and greenways projects. This legislation also expanded eligibility for grants so that non-profit organizations are able to receive funds under this program. At its January 29 meeting, the state Bond Commission authorized $7 million for grants.

The Connecticut Greenways Council is serving as an advisory committee for grant selection and recently met to select the first round of grant recipients under the newly constituted program.

Funds received through this 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 is hosting a “kick-off” meeting April 7 at the headquarters of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) to brief grant recipients on next steps in the project process. DEEP envisions most projects being completed by the fall of 2017.

Other towns receiving funding include Berlin, Burlington, Colchester, Coventry, Derby, East Hampton, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Hebron, Killingworth, Manchester, Marlborough, Middletown, Naugatuck, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Orange, Portland, Somers, Torrington, Wallingford, Waterbury, Watertown and Wolcott.