Massachusetts awards $2 million in support of East Coast Greenway and adjacent projects

Earlier this month, Massachusetts’ Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $2.3 million in support of the East Coast Greenway and adjacent projects through the MassTrails grant program.

"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 Governor Maura Healey. “When we invest in trails, we’re investing in jobs, tourism and the local businesses that keep Massachusetts moving forward.”

Nearly $900,000 was awarded to three future and current segments of the East Coast Greenway in Massachusetts, including funding for feasibility studies for the largest remaining gaps in the Greenway’s spine and coastal routes in Massachusetts:

• Charles Headwaters Greenway (Bellingham, Blackstone, Mendon): $100,000 for project development: The Charles Headwaters Greenway study will focus on connecting the East Coast Greenway and the Milford Rail Trail - Upper Charles Trail connecting to the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, following the abandoned Charles River Railroad right of way. This study will focus on one of the largest remaining gaps in the East Coast Greenway spine route in Massachusetts.

• Northern Scenic Greenway (Dartmouth, New Bedford, Westport): $285,000 for engineering and design: The Northern Scenic Greenway is a proposed 9.8 mile off-road multi-use path routed through Westport, Dartmouth and New Bedford. This segment fills a key gap in the South Coast Bikeway by connecting New Bedford and Fall River, both of which have completed pathways. This study will examine one of the largest remaining gaps in the East Coast Greenway coastal route in Massachusetts.

• Phoenix Rail Trail (Fairhaven): $500,000 for maintenance: The Phoenix Rail Trail Rehabilitation Project will extend 3.3 miles, beginning at the intersection of Main and Ferry streets, through Fairhaven and ending at the easterly town line where the trail then continues through Mattapoisett. This project includes a pavement overlay for the entire length of the Fairhaven portion of the existing trail while installing ADA improvements at street crossings.

“We appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for their leadership and collaboration in delivering projects that strengthen communities and advance the vision of a connected East Coast Greenway,” said Alliance Northern New England Manager Emily Paskewicz.

Another $1.4 million will support six projects connected to the East Coast Greenway. The MassTrails grants awarded also unlocked $1.4 million in matching funds for the Greenway and adjacent projects.    

All grant applications are reviewed by the inter-agency MassTrails Team, which is composed of representatives from MassDOT, EEA, DCR and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB). Projects related to recreational trails are eligible for up to $100,000 in funding while share-use path projects can receive up to $500,000. 

For more information on the MassTrails Grant Program and updates on trail development across Massachusetts, visit the MassTrails Grants webpage.