CT HB07157

Increases state bond authorization from $10 million to $14 million for bikeway, pedestrian walkway, recreational trail, and greenway grants, effective July 1, 2019.

Grants administered by Department of Energy and Environmental Protection are available to municipalities, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, agencies, districts, and other organizations for planning, design, land acquisition, construction, equipment, and trail amenities.

Eligible projects include bicycle trails completing sections of the Connecticut East Coast Greenway, bikeways connecting to the East Coast Greenway, multiuse paths in the State Recreational Trails Plan, and other locally supported trails.

Grant recipients must provide a 20% local match from municipal, federal, state, nonprofit, or private funds and in-kind services (10% match for multi-municipality projects) and maintain designs complying with 1999 American Association of State Highway Transportation Official guidelines.

Department may use up to 5% of total allocation for administrative purposes, with the Connecticut Greenways Council advising on fund allocation and Department of Transportation coordinating with the lead department.