Easthampton secures $330,000 MassTrails grant for Manhan Rail Trail enhancements

EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – The City of Easthampton has been awarded a $330,000 grant from the MassTrails Grant Program to improve the Manhan Rail Trail, ensuring enhanced safety and accessibility.

This significant funding will address the deteriorating pavement conditions caused by tree roots and other natural factors.

The MassTrails Grant Program is dedicated to supporting recreational trail and shared-use pathway projects throughout Massachusetts. It provides grants for various stages of trail projects, including development, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and maintenance, along with necessary amenities.

The project in Easthampton will focus on removing trees and roots that have caused hazardous conditions on the trail. Specific pavement repairs will include minor crack repairs and sealing, asphalt repairs through a mill and overlay process, full-depth trench repairs with tree removals, tree root removals, and the installation of root barriers to prevent future damage.

Barbara LaBombard, Chair of the Manhan Rail Trail Committee, and Wendy Hammarle, President of the Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail, expressed their excitement about the grant. “We are thrilled with the announcement of this award, which will help us continue our mission of providing a safe and accessible facility for Easthampton and surrounding communities,” they stated.

For more information about the MassTrails Grant Program, visit MassTrails Grants .

Local News

Northampton police looking for missing woman

Mass Pike service plaza in Ludlow closing for paving

Blueberries are back in season

Keep your pets cool, tips for hot summer days

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.