Colrain, Goshen, Holyoke, Leverett and Southwick were among the 42 trails projects awarded grants.
HOLYOKE – Five area communities were awarded grants Thursday to fund trail projects.
They are Colrain, Goshen, Holyoke, Leverett and Southwick.
State Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr., at an event at Mount Tom State Reservation, announced $1.28 million in grants to communities and nonprofit organizations throughout the state to fund 42 trails projects under its Recreational Trails Grants Program.
The state program is part of the national Recreational Trails Program funded by the Federal Highway Administration.
The city of Holyoke was awarded $3,632 for the Bray Valley Trail Bridge project to replace an important linking bridge in the existing trail system, which is currently beyond repair.
In Colrain, Colrain Sno-Drifters was awarded $28,086. These funds are for the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle and rescue trailer to develop, enhance, and maintain trails for recreational and emergency access purposes in Cook and Catamount State Forests.
In Goshen, the Goshen Highlanders Snowmobile Club was awarded $18,010.
The project will permanently secure a trail easement on part of the main snowmobile trail corridor in Goshen and will acquire materials for the continued maintenance program and ongoing erosion repair work for the DAR State Forest trail system and Tilton Town Farm Land in Goshen.
All-season tracks will be purchased for the club recreational trail vehicle.
The town of Leverett Conservation Commission received $10,550.
The project will revitalize existing trails, create new trails and connect conservation areas Doolittle Brook, Mountain Brook and Roaring Brook by establishing a network of trails and trailheads covering over 160 acres of land, and 3.5 miles of trail.
In Southwick, Berkshire Trail Riders Association was awarded $13,945.
The project will enable association members to improve and repair multi-use trails in the Tolland State Forest.
An enclosed trailer will be purchased to improve the ability to transport club-owned equipment and supplies, including a utility vehicle and two all terrain vehicle wagons.
Each recipient matches its grant with at least an additional 20 percent in funding or in-kind services.
“Recreational trails development is central to DCR’s core mission,” Lambert said.
“These projects will connect cities and towns across the Commonwealth with a network of outdoor trails ensuring Massachusetts will continue to be a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts,” he said.
Grant awards range from $604 to $150,837, depending on the scope of the project.
Typically, the local match consists of in-kind labor and professional services, material donations, use of equipment or a cash match.
The Recreational Trails Program allocates 30 percent of its funds to motorized use, 30 percent to non-motorized use, and 40 percent to diverse use projects.