Supporters win $25,000 seed funding for 2.7-mile phase of proposed rail trail

Voters approved Article 30, establishing a rail-trail expendable trust fund and adding $25,000 to it. Proponents said the small town appropriation is intended as a local match and demonstration of commitment that will help unlock state and private grants for a phased conversion of an abandoned rail corridor.

Chris Elliott and other proponents described a multi-year, phased plan that would begin with a 2.7-mile segment from Molten Mill Road to Route 16 and ultimately contemplate up to 21 miles in the corridor. Elliott said a master plan, stakeholder outreach and grant matching require an initial local commitment: "When I go ask for money, from foundations, from companies, from individuals, the first question they ask me, well, what's the commitment of the town?" he said on the floor.

Speakers cited economic-development benefits observed in other communities with rail-trail conversions, including increased year-round visitation and business activity. Opponents raised questions about total project cost; proponents and several planning advocates said the full corridor cost could be measured in millions but that the appropriation is only a seed to attract larger funds. The meeting transcript recorded proponents estimating a full 21-mile cost in the range of $6.5 million, with the first segments undertaken by phases and largely funded with grants.

The article passed by raised-hand/placard vote. Backers said the $25,000 will be used for preliminary planning, grant applications and to show matching commitment to grantmakers. The selectmen and budget committee recommended the article.

Ending: Supporters said they will seek grants and private donations and work in phases; they emphasized the appropriation does not itself obligate future tax increases for full corridor construction.