SENATOR HONIG WELCOMES $1.06 MILLION IN FUNDING SUPPORTING AVON, NORFOLK, SIMSBURY, TORRINGTON TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

October 2, 2026

State Senator Paul Honig (D-Torrington) welcomed the recent announcement that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will release $1,060,905 in grants supporting local projects designed to plan, build, expand and improve local trails, with the intent of bolstering recreational opportunities, connecting communities and supporting public health.

Local grants include:

• $505,000 to the town of Avon for construction on Phase 2 of the Old Farms Road Connectivity Improvements Project, connecting multi-use trails from Tillotson Road to Fisher Meadows
• $226,155 to the town of Norfolk for construction of the proposed North Brook Trail completion
• $248,000 to the town of Simsbury for maintenance of the Farmington River Trail
• $81,750 to the town of Torrington for planning and design of the Red Mountain Trail Bridge, currently in its design phase

The grants are part of a $10.5 million, 50-project release of funding through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program. That program is also supporting Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, which provides $6 billion each year to the state’s economy, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and generating more than $2.5 billion each year in wages and salaries.

“Connecticut’s natural beauty and fresh air are especially enjoyable on the state’s many trails for recreation and exercise,” said Sen. Honig. “These grants will allow for significant and meaningful work to further support trails in our region. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for his continued support of our region.”

“Connecticut’s extensive trail network is one of our state’s greatest outdoor assets,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joe O’Leary | joe.oleary@cga.ct.gov