26 July, 2011
Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) and Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston) announced today that two projects working to repair and maintain trails in the MetroWest region have been awarded grants under the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Program.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board, working in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, approved grant requests for the Center Trail Stewardship Project in Hopkinton and the Holliston Section of the Upper Charles Rail Trail. These grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis to trail protection, construction, and stewardship projects across the Commonwealth.
“It is important that we invest in initiatives like the ones selected for this year’s Recreational Trails Grants,” said Senator Spilka. “Both of these projects increase access to open space in our communities and improve the overall quality of life for our residents.”
“This is a wonderful way for the towns of Hopkinton and Holliston to move ahead and provide access to outdoor recreation for the whole community,” said Representative Dykema. “It’s great to be able to assist our residents and communities through these grants.”
The Center Trail Stewardship Project has been awarded $17,525 in order to repair erosion damage to the Hopkinton Center Trail and restore its natural hydrology. The project calls for installing erosion deterrents including drain pipes and gravel pave on portions of the trail bed. With this funding, the Hopkinton Area Land Trust will be able to make these repairs permanent and prevent future damage to the trail.
The Town of Holliston was awarded $49,952 for the Holliston Section of the Upper Charles Rail Trail. Funding will help construct a half-mile section of the multi-use trail which connects Holliston with Ashland, Hopkinton, Milford, and Sherborn and provides a scenic, recreational path for walking, bicycling, and other non-motorized uses.
“I am thrilled that Holliston was able to purchase this piece of land using the $800,000 in supplemental funds I worked hard to secure back in 2006,” said Spilka. “And the recent grant from the Recreational Trails Project will help ensure proper maintenance of this important project.”
The grant program reimburses up to eighty percent of the total project costs, within the maximum amount of the award. In order to be eligible, at least twenty percent of the costs must be supported through other sources. The additional support may come from cash or in-kind contributions of materials, labor, and services. Later this week, the DCR will be sending grantees an official notice of approval, a copy of the contract, and a Notice to Proceed. Once these materials are received, the projects may begin working on their construction and repairs.
