Contact: Kyle Toto

 

Date: June 10, 2009

 

 

Boston- Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) and Representative Lewis G. Evangelidis (R-Holden) announced today that Wachusett Greenways will receive a $50,000 Recreational Trails Grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This grant will be used to extend the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail from Route 122 to Coldbrook Station in Oakham. The Massachusetts Central Rail Trail is a 104-mile railroad line that stretches from Northampton to Boston. Wachusett Greenways will use the Recreational Trails Grant to improve a 30 mile stretch of the trail which passes through several towns in Central Massachusetts.

 

“I applaud the efforts of Wachusett Greenways and the Department of Conservation and Recreation to extend this important project” said Senator Brewer. “The Massachusetts Central Rail Trail is an exciting project that allows residents to enjoy recreational activities while experiencing that natural beauty in the environment.”

 

Representative Evangelidis said, “The rail trail is one of my favorite projects in Central Massachusetts and it is tremendous for the district to see this portion of the trail in Oakham move forward.  My family and I always enjoy exploring the latest additions to the rail trail.”

 

Recreational Trails Grants are funded through the FHWA and are dispersed to each state to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. In FY 2009 DCR granted Recreational Trail funding to 27 projects totally more than $626,400.