Connecticut DEEP Funding
Over $3 Million for Outdoor Projects Across the State
Gabrielle Jacunski
At the end of July 2018, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) allocated $3,173,530.50 to its Recreational Trails Grant Program. This program provides funds to a variety of projects across the state, all of which aim to create or improve outdoor recreation in Connecticut. The program opened applications and received 73 proposals for projects around the state. The type of projects proposed varied from blazing new trails, to collecting data on potential trail sites, to planning and managing CT Trails Day.
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As of January 8, 2019, DEEP announced which of these projects will receive funding and the specific award amount each applicant will be granted. Most projects are expected to be completed by spring of 2021.
Some notable projects include:
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$300,000.00 to construct a new section of the Norwalk River Valley Trail in Redding
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$295,500.00 to maintenance/restoration of the Blue Blazed Hiking Trail System and management of CT Trails Day
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$265,000.00 to complete a multi-use waterfront pathway in New London
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$188,522.00 to the Air Line State Park Trail 12 Town Task force for providing economic opportunities, a bike to work assessment, and increasing safe routes to schools
There are many more projects, which you can read about on the DEEP website, each aiming to make Connecticut’s outdoor recreation new and improved in the coming few years.
Gabrielle Jacunski is a volunteer for the Communications Team, Sierra Club Connecticut.
Photo credit: Kenneth Casper