Bridgeport, CT — Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) announced $4,528,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete construction of the Norwalk River Valley Trail. The over 30-mile-long multi-use trail will extend from Norwalk to Danbury and link several Fourth District municipalities along the way, including Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, and Redding. The grant, from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, will help improve quality of life and provide greater access to bike and pedestrian infrastructure in Southwest Connecticut, while promoting tourism and spurring economic development in the region.
“I’m overjoyed that I was able to support WestCOG and the Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail in securing $4.5 million in federal funding so that they can complete work on what will be the longest bicycle and pedestrian trail in Fairfield County,” said Congressman Jim Himes. “More than 30 miles running through the heart of Southwest Connecticut, this trail provides a path for families to walk along the Norwalk River, hikers the chance to climb Connecticut hills, and commuters a way to bike to work safely and conveniently. This project will not only connect our cities and towns, but also encourage the good physical and mental health benefits that come with spending time in nature.”
“This project will decisively accelerate the completion of the Norwalk River Valley and Still River Trails and catapult forward the vision of economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable multi-use trail running the length of Western New England – from Long Island Sound to Litchfield County and north,” said Francis Pickering, Executive Director of the Western Connecticut Council of Governments.
“Working with Kristin Hadjstylianos, Mike Wilson, and the rest of the WestCOG team was so instrumental in getting the resources gathered on our end to put this grant together. In the end, it was a very heavy lift but we felt good about providing a very compelling case of support for this transformative project,” said Andrea Gartner, Executive Director of the Norwalk River Valley Trail.
When completed, the trail will connect the shoreline of Fairfield County to the inland portions of the County and beyond. It provides an alternate transportation mode for connecting to transit, parks, and schools, in addition to recreational opportunities for residents. The RAISE grant program was expanded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congressman Himes was proud to support in the 117th Congress.