SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES $187,105 IN FUNDING SUPPORTING LOCAL TRAILS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION

October 2, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

October 2, 2026

State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed the recent announcement that the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will release $187,105 in grants supporting local projects designed to plan, build, expand and improve local trails, with the intent of bolstering recreational opportunities, connecting communities and supporting public health.

Local grants include:

$123,555 to DEEP for construction of ADA-accessible trail improvements at Hurd State Park
$63,550 to the East Haddam Land Trust for construction of a Senior/Disabled Trail to the Wetlands Viewing Platform at Golet Farm

The grants are part of a $10.5 million, 50-project release of funding through the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program. That program is also supporting Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, which provides $6 billion each year to the state’s economy, supporting more than 50,000 jobs and generating more than $2.5 billion each year in wages and salaries.

“These updates and improvements to our local trails will make sure anyone in the region can enjoy our beautiful sights and outdoor resources,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and state leaders for their support of our region.”

“Connecticut’s extensive trail network is one of our state’s greatest outdoor assets,” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said. “These investments will improve access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, attract visitors, encourage healthy lifestyles, and help connect people to the communities where they live and work.”

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