North Reading Awarded $45K Grant For Recreation Trail Project

NORTH READING, MA — North Reading was awarded a $45,000 grant for the project development in the North Reading recreational trail project. The money was awarded to the town's Land Utilization Committee. The project was one of 55 in the state to receive a MassTrails Grant this year.

Grant proceeds will fund a feasibility study for a recreational trail that in theory will generally follow the route of the abandoned Salem to Lowell Railroad.

North Reading is adding $55,000 of its own funding towards the project. Each town receiving a MassTrails grant must match awarded grants with a minimum of twenty percent in funding or in-kind services for the designated project. North Reading exceeded that requirement.

Funding is not just offered to towns but to registered non-profits and municipal, state, and federal agencies.

Funding for MassTrails grants comes from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation's capital budget, and from the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles including ATV's and snowmobiles.

"Massachusetts has an extensive network of public trails connecting communities and regions while offering excellent recreational opportunities," said Governor Charlie Baker. "By supporting local trail projects, our Administration is dedicated to building on that network and ensuring residents and visitors can hike, bike and run on safe, well-maintained and accessible trails."