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Upper Charles TrailConnecting Milford, Hopkinton, Ashland,
Sherborn, and Holliston, Massachusetts |
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Upper Charles Trail - F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions - Borrowed and modified from the Holliston site, http://www.townofholliston.us/hollistontrails/faq.htm
Do you have questions about the Upper Charles Trail? You've come to the right place. The questions most people ask and their answers are listed below. Don't see it? Click here to submit your question online and we'll answer it by e-mail.
Q. What is the Upper Charles Trail Project?
The Upper Charles Trail project is a state-funded project to convert a 20-mile, abandoned rail bed in six communities into a scenic, recreational path for bicycling, walking, cross-country skiing, roller-blading, and other non-motorized uses. Phase 1 of the project, a 2-mile section of trail in Holliston, will be similar to the successful Cape Cod and Minuteman rail trails. The project was determined feasible by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) in a 1997 study, and Holliston has received a grant for 90% of the total cost from the Massachusetts Highway Department's Transportation Enhancement Program Fund.
The project has broad support both within and outside of Holliston. It was originally conceived by the Conservation Commission as part of the 1993 Holliston Open Space and Recreation Plan. It has since received the backing of the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Police Department, Highway Department, and the community at large, based on a random survey conducted by the Holliston Trails Committee. Surrounding communities such as Ashland, Milford, and Sherborn have all initiated or started projects of their own.
For residents young and old, the recreational trail will provide a clean, safe place to exercise, enjoy nature, or commute to local businesses for shopping or dining. As was demonstrated on the Minuteman and Cape Cod Rail Trails, it will increase the value and character of the community, and our quality of life in general.
Thanks to a 90% grant from state and federal funds, Holliston residents will pay only 10% of the total cost of the Phase 1 portion of Holliston's trail. Phase 1, the initial 2-mile section to be built later this year and early next, will cost approximately $50,000 plus the cost of financing, or about $14 (one-time) per household. Phase 2, the remaining 4.7-mile section is estimated at about $3,000,000 plus financing costs. Various funding sources will be sought to ease the burden for this regional trail system.
Q. Where will the funding come from, and is it guaranteed?
Major funding for the project comes from the Massachusetts Highway Department's Transportation Enhancement Program, which has funded many similar rail trail projects over the years. Phase 1 funding of $450,000 (90%) has been approved and is guaranteed.
Phase 2 requires a separate application, but approval is generally considered much more likely after an initial project has proven the concept and local community support.
Q. Why do it now (or... can't this wait until next year)?
We are well into a lengthy application process with Mass Highway for Phase 1, and have secured $450,000 in grant funding from the Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) budget. The successful completion of Phase 1 increases the likelihood of receiving additional TIP funding for Phase 2 increases. This is especially important as more communites learn about and apply for the limited funds. This is our window of opportunity to leverage an investment from the state that will pay dividends for Holliston.
Q. Have other towns done this sort of thing before?
Yes. Milford is completing the first section of their trail. Is is planned that it will eventually hook up with ours. There are now more than a dozen trails in Massachusetts and more than 1000 nationwide. Our own surveys of residents from Lexington and other local communities have indicated high satisfaction levels and overwhelming support of the trails.
Q. What's the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2?
Phase 1 will develop a 2-mile section of trail between Cross Street and Hopping Brook to prove the concept with minimal expenditure. Phase 2 will develop the rest of the trail (4.7 miles) and connect to neighboring trails in Milford and Sherborn. This portion of the trail will pass the downtown area, where the greatest economic benefit will be realized.
Phase 1 plans are currently being reviewed by the Massachusettes Highway Department. The town is currently negotiating a lease with CSX Corporation. The construction is delayed until a suitable lease or aquisition is made.
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