Grant Sought For Tri-Town Trail

The Tri-Town Trail Committee, which includes members from Groton, Ledyard and Preston, is hoping to start construction soon on a section of trail in Groton from Depot Road near Bluff Point to the Mystic Marriott off Route 117.

There is still a long way to go before the 14-mile trail, planned from Bluff Point to the community park in Preston, can become a reality for bikers, pedestrians and horse-riders. But this initial section is a good start.

It would include new painting and paving from the Dairy Queen on Route 1, continuing along North Road to 117, and going underneath the I-95 overpass. Construction would end at the Hilton where the proposed trail would follow an existing road on Groton Reservoir land to the Copp Property. All together, this “shovel ready” portion of the trail would cost as much as $225,000 to build, according to an estimate.

The group is hoping to secure a grant from the Connecticut Recreational Trails Program, which could be pay up to $200,000.

Grant applications, however, are due by the end of August, putting some time pressure on the group to work out a proposal. The grant also requires applicants to match 20 percent of the funding, placing the onus on the committee to raise money.

The group is optimistic that if the trail were built, they would have enough support from businesses and individuals to come through on their end of the deal. So far the committee has raised $5,000 in donations from Dominion Energy and $500 from the Pequot Cyclists.

“Sweat equity” on the part of volunteers working on the trail can also count towards the grant.

At a recent meeting of the committee, discussion centered on the grant and the potential uses for the section of trail by bike commuters and other pedestrians. With fears that bicyclists might create a hazard for walkers in congested areas, the group debated whether they should post a speed limit signs.

“I hope we actually have to worry about that some day,” Committee member Barbara Kil said.

Groton Utilities consent needed

In addition to the challenge of raising money, the trail will also require approval from Groton Utilities, owned by the city of Groton, in order to use land in Groton and Ledyard.

Liability became a major issue after a 2002 incident on West Hartford reservoir property where a bicyclist collided with a gate and broke her neck. She went on to win $2.9 million from the Metropolitan District Commission in 2010.

Recent legislation sponsored by State Rep. Tom Reynolds and Sen. Edith Prague protects municipalities and other private land owners from litigation for injuries related to “recreational use.”

Reynolds, a bike path proponent, helped organize the committee with David Holdridge in 2008.

It remains to be seen whether the Groton Utilities will open its doors to the bike path. In the meantime, members of the committee are hoping to be able to build what they can.