County accepts small trail grant, moves to apply for larger RTP funding as volunteers push to complete Cheshire Rail Trail

Cheshire County commissioners voted April 23 to accept a $9,350 American Trails Capacity Grant to repair about 1.6 miles of the Cheshire Rail Trail’s northern section and to authorize staff to submit a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) application for a 4.7‑mile southern segment in Fitzwilliam.

Suzanne introduced the mini‑grant (agenda item 1258) and invited Mike Kowalsik, president of the Rail Trail Collaborative, to describe the project. Kowalsik and staff said the American Trails award would cover equipment rental and clearing work to remove trees, clear ditches and culverts and finish a key section that, once complete, would bring the trail closer to full northern continuity. He described the project as largely volunteer driven and requested that the board accept the grant and allow staff to handle the paperwork when the formal agreement arrives.

Staff cautioned the board that the private foundation administering the mini‑grant had not yet provided a signed agreement and that the county would not issue a notice to proceed or spend money until it receives the grant paperwork. Commissioners approved acceptance on that condition.

Separately staff asked for authorization to submit an RTP application for a 4.7‑mile section from Rodendron Road to Templeton Turnpike in Fitzwilliam; staff said heritage‑bureau review had been completed and an administrative payment ($25) would identify any potential endangered‑species constraints. The board voted to approve the application submission.

Volunteers and staff also discussed larger funding and ownership questions. Project leads described a potential multi‑source package (RTP, TAP, private foundations, donated bridges and in‑kind equipment) to build a missing bridge and other structures. Staff and commissioners noted a state rule that can limit federal funding for rail conversions where a corridor could theoretically revert to rail service within a short timeframe; that interpretation can block access to larger federal dollars for what would otherwise be eligible bridge and trail‑infrastructure projects.

Why it matters: The trail is a regional recreational and transportation asset; completing the northern link could improve connectivity and tourism while raising questions about long‑term maintenance. Volunteers emphasized the effort is primarily run by unpaid labor; commissioners asked staff to return to the board if any grant agreement contains unexpected terms.

Next steps: Staff will accept the American Trails award once a formal agreement arrives and will submit the RTP application on the timeline required by the program. If unexpected provisions appear in any grant agreement, staff will bring the document back to the board before executing.