U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton hosted an outdoor event in Boxford, Massachusetts on August 18th at 2:30pm to announce the procurement of $1.2M in Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Border to Boston Trail. These funds are critically important to filling some of the gaps in this multi-use trail.
Developed in partnership with local advocates, elected officials, and governmental staff at all levels, the Border to Boston network of trails is one of the region’s most outstanding assets. It is a 70-mile shared-use trail that links approximately 20 communities from New Hampshire to Boston and is an important link in the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway, which facilitates safe, off-road travel from Maine to Florida. The initiative has been a 20-year effort for the Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) and it’s many partnering organizations including the East Coast Greenway Alliance.
Congressman Moulton successfully applied for this support on behalf of five Essex County communities; Boxford, Newbury, Peabody, Salem, and Marblehead. The CPF will be utilized for design and engineering costs in pre-identified trail segments. The event is taking place adjacent to a key part of the trail in Boxford which these funds will assist to complete.
Congressman Seth Moulton, 6th District, “I am so pleased that the $1.2 million in Community Project Funding I secured to support the Border to Boston Trail is now ready to be put to good use. Access to the outdoors is so important for all of our mental health, and this project is going to give the community more opportunities to get outside, exercise, and continue to enjoy our beautiful region. Building out this significant off-road trail network will continue to be a priority for my team and me. I look forward to seeing the trail to completion.”
Annie Harris, Essex Heritage CEO, “At Essex Heritage, we are thrilled that Congressman Moulton secured this funding. The popularity of the Border to Boston rail trail has grown exponentially during the past few years. It is very important to complete these missing segments of the trail so that everyone can walk, run, and bike safely off the main roads.”
David Read, Essex Heritage President, “I am a huge advocate for trails and safe biking. As a health professional, I see every day the difference that exercise makes in people’s lives. It has been my life’s work to advocate for the Border to Boston Trail and the East Coast Greenway. Thank you, Congressman Moulton, for doing so much to move this trail project forward.”
Kristine Keeney, East Coast Greenway Alliance, Northern New England Manager, “The East Coast Greenway Alliance is thrilled to celebrate this new trail funding alongside our local Massachusetts partners. This important investment supports a critical link that will help form one of the best sections of the entire 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway, creating transformational access to greenways for all – in New England and beyond.”
A recording of this event is available on the Essex Heritage YouTube channel. You can also view a full article on this event from The Salem News here.
