Sen. Eldridge, Rep. Sena, and Rep. Gouveia announce $78,000 from Baker-Polito Administration’s Travel & Tourism Recovery Grant Pilot Program for town of Acton
Funds will be used for the design and installation of wayfinding signage and digital maps along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail to increase connections to local businesses.
Boston – Senator Eldridge, Representative Sena, and Representative Gouveia have ensured that the latest round of funding for the Baker-Polito Administration’s Travel and Tourism Recovery (TTR) Grant Pilot Program includes $78,000 for the town of Acton. The Acton Delegation is proud to have worked in collaboration with the town to support this critical wayfinding project to both improve the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail visitor experience and boost businesses in Acton and Concord. The legislators wrote a letter of support for the project earlier this year, expressing their commitment to improving the popular rail trail that runs through their districts.
The 25-mile Bruce Freeman Rail Trail was built on the old New Haven Railroad Framingham and Lowell lines and goes through a total of eight communities in MetroWest Boston. It provides a safe, beautiful space for non-motorized enjoyment such as walking, jogging, cycling, cross country skiing, and skating.
The Bruce Freeman Trail is being constructed in 3 phases, and Phase 2B consisting of a bridge over Route 2 and connection of the current Acton-Lowell trail with the 2.5 mile Concord stretch is set to be completed and opened this July. The $78,000 secured by the Acton Delegation will be used for the design and installation of wayfinding signage and digital maps along the existing portions of the Rail Trail and the new portions that will be finished this year. This branded, cohesive wayfinding signage along the trail in Acton and Concord will help visitors orient themselves on the trail and make them aware of the breadth and diversity of local businesses available for them to enjoy along the way.
“We appreciate the support from the administration and our legislative delegation,” said Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti. “This project will help make visitors of the trail aware of the many goods and services available in Acton along the nearby Great Road Corridor. When we conducted outreach during the development of our Local Rapid Recovery Plan in 2021 community members voiced this wayfinding initiative as a top priority. We are thankful for the opportunity to implement this recommendation and support businesses still recovering from the pandemic.”
"Pleased to have advocated for this wayfinding project along with my colleagues Representatives Gouveia and Sena. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a vibrant attraction that brings visitors from across the state and contributes toward building an attractive tourist experience," said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). "The trail has already helped support local small businesses, and this tourism grant will only further stimulate the local economy.”
“The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail serves the residents of many towns in our area,” said Representative Dan Sena (D-Acton). “I am proud to have advocated for this wayfinding project along with Senator Eldridge and Representative Gouveia and I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for supporting the project with this critical grant funding. This wayfinding will help our local businesses and make the trail even better for the people who use it.”
“It is wonderful to see the Town of Acton secure this grant to enhance our beloved Bruce Freeman Rail Trail,” said Representative Dr. Tami Gouveia (D-Acton). “This wayfinding project will help direct both residents and tourists towards important landmarks and nearby businesses – strengthening Acton’s local economy and community ties. I am grateful to have worked with my colleagues Senator Eldridge and Representative Sena to advocate for this grant.”
The TTR Grant Pilot Program is dedicated to funding projects that support the My Local MA campaign, enhance tourism recovery, and have the potential to increase non-resident visitation. The program’s goal is to strengthen the Massachusetts economy through the development and enhancement of the state’s tourism industry.
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