Rail Trail Extension Receives Funds; May Begin in Spring
 The Conservation Commission on Thursday welcomed two new members. |
ADAMS, Mass. – The long-awaited Ashuwillticook Rail Trail extension to LIme Street is expected to undergo construction in the spring. The town also has received $1 million for design work.
Community Development Director Donna Cesan updated the Conservation Commission on Thursday night as part of a review some of town projects that the commission may have to weigh in on in the future.
Cesan said now that the town has cleared all of the easements needed, the Hoosac Street to Lime Street extension has been sent out to bid.
The state Department of Transportation also has released $1 million toward design work for the next section from Lime Street to Hodges Cross Road in North Adams.
"Personally I feel that is a real great for the town because they [MassDOT] were telling us that us and North Adams had to come up with the costs of the design at least to get to 25 percent design," she said.
She added that there is also $5.5 million set aside for the project in the 2019 Transportation Improvement Program.
Commissioner James Fassell said the bike trail is a "hidden jewel" and is glad things are moving ahead.
The trail extension was pushed back more than a year to accommodate the scenic rail line, which was announced after the project was ready for bid in 2013. The Hoosac Valley Service will run from North Adams to Printworks Drive until the line and trail is completed to Hoosac Street.
Cesan also said the town has applied for a $4.6 million MassWorks grant to finish work on utilities at the Greylock Glen.
She added that $250,000 will be released from the $5 million in an environmental bond to be used for the glen's outdoor center.
She said this will be used to begin the design process.
"This project is now in the implementation phase as you know we have been six and seven years in planning and permitting and now we are finally at implementation," Cesan said.
Cesan also asked the commission to amend plans to the roundabout project because of the culvert that needs to be replaced.
After initial design work, the contractors found during construction that the culvert had deteriorated to the point it needed to be replaced. The change will not be at a cost to the town and does not affect the material budget accepted in the plan.
"It's being prudent," she said. "This is a $1.5 million project and they don't want to in seven years have to have to tear it up again."
In other business, the Conservation Commission also welcomed some changes with two new members: David Lipinski and Tammie Shafer.
Fassell noted that in the departure of Chairman Jason Krzanowski, the board had also lost his expertise.
"I do not expect to know the details and expertise that Jason has left behind us," he said. "What I do expect us to do is follow the regulations to the best of our abilities and remain as a civilian approach to conservation."
Tags: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, conservation commission, Greylock Glen,
