Simsbury to Receive $305,000 Grant from State for Multi-Use Trail Connection

Simsbury to Receive $305,000 Grant from State for Multi-Use Trail Connection

November 29, 2016 – The Town of Simsbury has been awarded a $305,000 grant by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”) under the Connecticut Recreational Trails Program for a multi-use trail connection from the Farmington Valley Greenway (at Routes 10/202 & 315) to Curtiss/Pattison Parks.  According to Simsbury Town Engineer Jeff Shea, the project covers a 0.6 miles section of multi-use trail – part of a proposed two mile connection between the existing twenty-two mile Farmington Valley Greenway and the Village of Tariffville. “This is a tremendous win for Simsbury,” said First Selectwoman Lisa Heavner.  “It allows us to expand our incredible system of trails for biking and walking – outdoor opportunities that are a part of what makes Simsbury such a wonderful place to live.  We are so grateful to Jeff Shea and Public Works for their efforts in submitting the grant application, as well as the Board of Selectmen, Senator Kevin Witkos, Representative John Hampton, the Simsbury Bicycle Advisory Committee, the Farmington Valley Trails Council, the East Coast Greenway Alliance and the Connecticut Greenways Council for their support of the application.”

According to Shea, the trail will be 10 feet wide and paved.  “This trail connection will provide an important link between the Farmington Valley Greenway and other trail sections to the east in the Capitol Region and also serves as a key link in the East Coast Greenway (ECG)”.  With a total estimated project cost of $385,000, the grant of $305,000 will provide an 80% share of the project costs.  The town previously approved $80,000 for the project as part of its fiscal year 2016 capital improvement plan.  Work on the trail is expected to begin in 2018 and will take approximately 4-6 months for completion.

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