The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and Rhode Island Trails Advisory Committee have awarded grants for 3 southern RI trail improvements. RI received $1,524,725 in grant monies in total for 28 different projects from federal transportation funds.
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
The purpose of the funding is to provide grants that may be used to create new recreational trials, as well as fix and improve existing trails for hikers and other recreational users. Following the enactment of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, funds for trail projects were set aside.
RI Governor Lincoln Chafee said, “we are pleased to present these federal grants that will enhance and improve hiking paths and walking trails in communities across the state. Rhode Island's numerous recreational trails are heavily used by the public and perfect places to take a walk or just enjoy nature in a peaceful, relaxing setting.”
According to RIDEM the 3 local trail projects are:
1. Westerly Land Trust- Aguntaug Swamp $85,000 to extend the Westerly Land Trust’s trail system by providing ADA access to 1,000 feet of new trail and 700 feet of elevated walkway into Aguntaug Bog in Westerly.2. Hopkinton Land Trust- Tomaquag Trail - $95,000 to install a bridge over Tomaquag Brook to complete the southern section of Tomaquag Trail, connecting 2-3 miles of trails in Hopkinton to 5 miles of trails in Grills Preserve in Westerly.
3. Appalachian Mountain Club- Mount Tom Trail - $100,000 to install a bridge over Wood River in Exeter to allow hikers to avoid using Route 165 to cross. Project consists of site preparation and installation of a prefabricated bridge.
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