The grants will support 50 projects, including the creation of 60 miles of new trails.
Massachusetts is investing $7.5 million in upcoming projects to improve and expand trails throughout the state.
The Massachusetts governor’s office this week announced that money will be awarded through the MassTrails grant program to support 50 trail projects that will improve and expand the trail network across Massachusetts.
The funding will create 60 miles of new recreational trails.
The MassTrails program provides matching grants to communities, public entities, individuals, Native nations, and non-profit organizations. The grants 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.
“Trails are more than just paths through the woods. They bring people into town to eat at local restaurants, stay in small hotels and shop at small businesses,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “When we invest in trails, we’re investing in jobs, tourism and the local businesses that keep Massachusetts moving forward.”
The program is part of the administration’s Mass Ready Act, which seeks to invest in local economies while protecting water and nature. With $3 billion in funding, the Mass Ready Act aims to revitalize state parks, trails, beaches, and historic sites.
This year’s grant recipients are working on projects in the following municipalities: Arlington, Ashburnham, Ashby, Barre, Belchertown, Bellingham, Bernardston, Blackstone, Billerica, Boston, Cambridge, Clinton, Dartmouth, Dunstable, Egremont, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fitchburg, Florida, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Freetown, Gardner, Great Barrington, Groton, Hadley, Holden, Holyoke, Hudson, Lawrence, Lynnfield, Medford, Mendon, Monroe, Montague, Monterey, New Bedford, New Braintree, Northampton, Northfield, Oakham, Oxford, Palmer, Peabody, Plymouth, Quincy, Raynham, Royalston, Rutland, Savoy, Somerville, Southampton, Spencer, Sterling, Townsend, Wakefield, Watertown, Westminster, Westport, West Boylston, Williamstown, Winchendon, Worcester, and Wrentham.
A complete list of all projects, as well as the total funding awarded to each, can be found and downloaded here.
