State Awards $300,000 for Recreation and Commerce

Two state agencies are delivering more than $300,000 worth of grants for local recreation and commerce projects.

The grants were announced Friday by Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is providing money to maintain nature trails in New Bedford, fund a feasibility study for a bikeway connector between New Bedford and Fall River, and construction of a connector between the Mattapoisett Rail Trail and Marion Pathway.

Mass Dept. of Transportation, through its Shared Streets and Spaces grant program,  will provide funding to improve sidewalks, curbs, and parking spaces in New Bedford to provide safe mobility and boost outdoor capacity for local restaurants.

Montigny is applauding the DOT grant, saying "as we navigate our current moment of uncertainty, we must make investments to protect our local businesses."