Senator Eldridge and Representative Gentile Announce Funding Grant for Sudbury Rail Trail
Legislators celebrate $250,000 DCR grant to fund the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail through Sudbury
SUDBURY MA — State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and Representative Carmine Gentile announce a grant by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to construct the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Sudbury. MassTrails, a program within the DCR, provides matched-funding grants to communities, public entities, indigenous nations, and non-profit organizations annually to help pay for planning, designing, building, and preserving Massachusetts’ diverse network of trails.
When fully complete, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will stretch 25 miles from Framingham to Lowell. It received a $250,000 grant and a $62,500 local match for its second phase of construction in Sudbury. The first phase of construction began in early 2023 in Framingham and the project has been in the works since late 2019 to provide a walkable form of transit between all represented towns and cities.
“I am grateful to DCR Commissioner Arrigo and the Healey-Driscoll administration for this $250,000 grant for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail project in Sudbury,” said Senator Eldridge.
“Sudbury will very soon be the hub of rail trails in Metrowest, connecting the Bruce Freeman and Mass Central rail trails. This not only improves recreational opportunities for area residents, but also increases local visits to small businesses, and strengthens the fabric of communities. I am so grateful for the work of Sudbury town officials and rail trail enthusiasts, for making the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail a reality in Sudbury - on to Framingham!”
“Having safe and convenient ways for all individuals to get outside, get some exercise, and get around town without a car is crucial,” said Representative Gentile (D-Sudbury). “I want to offer my thanks to EEA Secretary Tepper and DCR Commissioner Arrigo for supporting this initiative. I am delighted to see that Sudbury will receive this well-deserved funding.”
As a part of the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) budget for fiscal years 2021-2025, the Senator hopes that Sudbury and all involved towns continue receiving support from the MPO in the construction of the trail for the years to come.
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