Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) announced today that it received $1.44 million in federal funds to rehabilitate the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail (MVRT) through earmarks secured by Senator Bernie Sanders. The 20 percent matching state funds total $360,000, bringing the total project cost to $1.8 million.
The project will improve one of Vermont’s critical rail trails and create economic development opportunities along the corridor. The fully rehabilitated trail will connect to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and Canada’s trail network, creating one of the largest regional trail networks in the northeastern United States.
“I was glad to secure this federal funding to improve and grow the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, one of the largest trails in Vermont and part of one of the largest regional trail networks in the Northeast,” said Sanders. “There is no question that this funding will benefit countless Vermonters by generating jobs and economic development, providing healthy, recreation opportunities and by creating expanded transportation alternatives for walkers, cyclists, snowmobilers and more. I look forward to seeing all these benefits come to life for all those who enjoy the trail, and for its surrounding communities.”
“Improvements to the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail present an exciting economic opportunity for the communities along the trail and recreational opportunity for Vermonters and visitors to our state,” said Governor Phil Scott.
“Rehabilitation of the MVRT is critical to our ongoing efforts to improve Vermont’s transportation infrastructure for a full range of uses,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “We anticipate an increase in users of the MVRT when this project is completed, providing Vermonters and visitors more recreational opportunities.”
The MVRT is one of Vermont’s longest trails and spans 26.1 miles from St. Albans City to Richford. The trail passes through Swanton, Fairfield, Sheldon, Enosburg, and Berkshire, as well as through forest, farmland, and several villages, including Sheldon Springs, Sheldon Junction, Enosburg Falls, and East Berkshire.
The trail has a crushed limestone surface and parallels the Missisquoi River along much of its eastern portion.
Rehabilitation of the trail will include resurfacing the 26.1-mile corridor, removing old unused track, and constructing an extension to Lower Newton St. in St. Albans.
1.30.2023. Vermont Agency of Transportation. Barre vtrans.vermont.gov