The Massachusetts Recreational Trails Program provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 on a reimbursement basis for a variety of trail protection, construction, and stewardship projects throughout Massachusetts. It is part of the national Recreational Trails Program, which is funded through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Funds are disbursed to each state to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. In Massachusetts, funds are administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), in partnership with the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board. A workshop on these grants was held in the Government Center hearing room on July 27, 2011 to permit Fall River officials and interested parties the opportunity to understand the program better and to pose questions about the application process. Fall River was funded last year for a parking lot and a unified trails map for the Copicut Woods Bioreserve. The session was led by Recreational Trails Program Coordinator Amanda Lewis of the DCR and organized by Fall River Mass In Motion Coordinator Julianne Kelly. For more information, contact Julie Kelly at 508-324-2405.  

(Top row) Fall River Mass in Motion coordinator Julianne Kelly poses a question to Recreational Trails Program Coordinator Amanda Lewis after she walks through the application process. (Middle row) Fall River Environmental Affairs Officer Elizabeth Dennehy and City Engineer Byron Holmes enjoy a lighter moment during the discussion. (Bottom row) Fall River Water Division property manager Mike Labossiere and community advocate Al Lima and the rest of the group, including Sandy and Dave Dennis, Michelle Paul and City Grantwriter Jane Dibiasio, raise specific questions on how the grant could be used for development of a public trail around Cook Pond in the City's South End.