Blumenthal & Murphy Announce $16 Million for Capitol Region Council of Governments to Complete Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

[Hartford, CT] — Today, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) announced a $16 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to the Capitol Region Council of Governments to complete the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.

The $16 million in funding will close the last gap in the 84-mile-long multi-use trail and connect it to CTfastrak, expanding commuting options in the Farmington Valley. When complete, the FCHT will connect New Haven, Connecticut, with Northampton, Massachusetts. 

“This grant is a huge win for the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail — a real gem in the Farmington Valley. Every weekend, dozens of families and outdoors enthusiasts flock to the trail to walk, ride bikes or fish on the banks of the Farmington River. With this funding, CRCOG will finally be able to close the gap between the Northern and Southern portions of the trail and build a path to the CTfastrak station in Downtown New Britain. I am so pleased to see this investment in outdoor recreation and transportation infrastructure in Connecticut,” Sen. Blumenthal said.

“Smart infrastructure investments create jobs and further economic development while improving quality of life. This federal funding to complete the remaining gaps in the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail will offer residents more outdoor recreation opportunities, connect communities, and provide an alternative way to commute,” said Sen. Murphy.

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