Massachusetts awards more than $1.5 million to support East Coast Greenway segments

 In late June, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced $5 million in MassTrails Grants, earmarking nearly one-third of the funds for East Coast Greenway projects.

More than $1.5 million was awarded to fund the addition of 4.9 miles to the East Coast Greenway spine route in Massachusetts. The projects include:

• Waltham Wayside Trail construction – 2.7 miles

• Swampscott Rail Trail phase one construction – 1.5 miles

• Marblehead Rail Trail improvements – 0.4 miles

• Salem Harbor Connector Path construction – 0.2 miles

• Salisbury Old Eastern Marsh Northern Trail Connector construction – 0.1 miles

Kristine Keeney, the Greenway’s New England Coordinator, played a key role in supporting several MassTrails Grants applications.

“We are grateful to Governor Charlie Baker, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for supporting these meaningful projects and the vision of the East Coast Greenway. Massachusetts will soon have more than 60 miles of protected greenways along our route for people of all ages and all abilities to enjoy for active transportation and recreation,” Keeney said.

For more on the East Coast Greenway in Massachusetts, visit bit.ly/MassECG.

“Massachusetts is home to thousands of miles of public trails, and today’s MassTrails Grants will aid in the improvement of these trails and assist in the creation of new sections for the public to enjoy,” said Governor Baker. “The MassTrails Grants serve as a great example of our administration’s dedication to ensuring that the Commonwealth’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources remain accessible for years to come.”

Visit mass.gov for more on the 71 MassTrails Grants awarded.