Goodwin College Granted $272,320 for Phase 4 River Trail as Part of the DEEP Trail Grants

Goodwin College was granted $272,320 for Phase 4 River Trail as part of the CT DEEP Trail Grants.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that it has awarded $3,173,530 in grants for nineteen projects to plan and design, build, expand, or enhance and improve multi-use trails and greenways across the state.

Goodwin College applied for money to pay for “an extension of the newly designated South Meadows State Greenway multi-user trail.”.

“Through our Recreational Trails program we are providing funds that will provide safe recreational opportunities for families and friends to travel throughout the state. Whether biking or walking any time of year or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, Connecticut offers attractive year-round opportunities for people of all ages,” said DEEP Commissioner Rob Klee. “We applaud Governor Malloy and members of the General Assembly for making these funds available and allowing us to continue improving and connecting the many tremendous trail and greenway networks in our state.”

$3 million was allocated at the end of July by the state bond commission. Turned back funds from previous grant years provided the additional $173,530.50 to allow funding awards for most of the highly ranked proposals. The Connecticut Greenways Council serves as an advisory committee to DEEP for grant selection. DEEP received 73 applicants. This round was very competitive with 3 million dollars to distribute, there were over 12 million in requests. Requests from the highly ranked proposals alone totaled over 4 million dollars.

Funds received through this program may be used for locally supported trails and trail systems, bikeways and multiuse paths. Grant money can be allocated for a wide variety of purposes, including planning, design, land acquisition, construction, construction administration, and publications for bikeways, walkways, and greenways as well as for equipment and trail amenities, such as parking lots, toilet buildings, signs, and benches.

DEEP envisions most projects being completed by spring 2021.

Click here for a full list of awards.