Joan Hartley

SEN. HARTLEY WELCOMES $742,800 FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ON GREENWAY TRAIL

Today, State Senator Joan Hartley welcomed the planned release of $352,800 for the planning and development of Phase II of the Naugatuck River Greenway Trail and $390,000 for the planning, design and outreach of the Waterbury Naugatuck River Greenway Trail Mad River Spur Design.

This project is part of an announced $9 million award from Governor Lamont and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as part of the Connecticut Recreational Trails Program, supporting trail planning, building, expansion and improvement in 50 locations across Connecticut. Many of the awarded projects are bicycle paths that can support both commuting and recreation.

“The Naugatuck River Greenway Trail is a beautiful multi-use trail that borders the Naugatuck River and will run for 44 miles through all 11 Naugatuck River communities,” said Sen. Hartley. “The trail will connect green spaces and towns along the corridor and allow those who are using it to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Naugatuck Valley.”

“I am thrilled to announce funding for this project, which will improve and expand recreational trail opportunities around Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “The incredible response to this grant round shows the high demand for outdoor recreation in our state. Our residents and visitors continue to explore state parks, forests, and municipal open spaces and land trust preserves at record levels.”

These grant awards are partially a response to demand for outdoor recreation increasing dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. In 2022, 17 million people visited locations in the Connecticut State Parks and Forests system, up 75% from levels of 9-10 million in 2019. Outdoor recreation contributed nearly $4 billion to Connecticut in 2021 and supported more than 40,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Most projects receiving financial support are expected to be complete by 2026.