STATE SENATOR
Martha Marx
DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER
LISTENING TO YOU
- Representing
- Bozrah,
- East Lyme,
- Montville,
- New London,
- Old Lyme,
- Old Saybrook,
- Salem,
- Waterford
Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the planned release of $44,500 to support trail planning, construction and equipment development in projects supporting Old Lyme and Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. This came as Governor Lamont’s administration and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced $9 million in state grants through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Program to support trail planning, building, expansion and improvement in 50 locations across Connecticut.
According to the Governor’s office, the funding will be allocated as follows: Old Lyme will receive $28,500 for the planning and design of a multi-purpose trail and bridge at Lieutenant River; Harkness Memorial State Park will receive $16,000 for the construction of renovations at the Harkness Boardwalk.
“I’m thrilled that we’ll soon have new recreational trails and resources for everyone to enjoy, and I’m grateful to the Governor’s administration and DEEP for selecting these projects for support,” said Sen. Marx. “Outdoor recreation is great for the heart and mind, and Connecticut is full of trails and paths that bring us face-to-face with our state’s natural beauty. I can’t wait to see what these projects completed.”
“I am thrilled to announce funding for these projects, 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.