Governor Lamont Announces $40 Million in Federal Health Investments To Improve Outdoor Recreation at Air Line State Park Trail

$7.1 Million Awarded in Year One

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) today announced that Connecticut has secured $7,165,955 in first-year funding as part of a multiyear federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) population health initiative investment aimed at improving public health in rural communities.

The funding will expand access to safe, free, outdoor recreation opportunities on the Air Line State Park Trail, a 50-mile multi-use trail running through northeastern Connecticut that draws walkers, runners, hikers, bikers, horseback riders and more from across the region.

This award represents the first installment of what is anticipated, subject to overall RHTP federal grant allocations in future years, to be a five-year, $40 million federally funded project designed to encourage greater use of the trail for physical activity and support better health outcomes for residents of all ages and abilities. These alterations spanning many miles of trail are expected to have a major impact on rural communities' ability to access and utilize the existing Air Line State Park Trail by providing smoother surfaces, improved drainage, better signage, and more accessible entry points. Partnerships with health organizations in the region will help residents learn how walking, running, cycling, and other recreation activities available on the trail can support their health goals.

"Outdoor recreation opportunities are a big part of the high quality of life residents enjoy in Connecticut," Governor Lamont said. "We know the strong connection between physical and mental health, and the Air Line Trail is a tremendous resource our residents can utilize to unlock the health benefits of outdoor exercise. We appreciate this funding, which will help our residents better access this amazing trail."

"Access to the outdoors is one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve public health," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "Spending time outside, whether walking, biking, or simply enjoying nature, can reduce stress, improve mental health, support physical activity, and help prevent chronic disease. This investment in the Air Line State Park Trail will make it easier and safer for residents of northeastern Connecticut's rural communities to access these health benefits close to home. By making the trail easier to access and use and partnering with health agencies to engage local residents, we are creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect with the outdoors and lead healthier lives."

DEEP's project is part of the population health initiative within RHTP. Overall, RHTP includes 30 projects across 10 Connecticut state agencies funded through the federal RHTP award of $154,249,105.53 in budget period 1. RHTP projects focus on improving health outcomes, expanding access to health care, and by improving population health, also strengthening the social and economic foundations of the state's rural communities. DSS serves as the lead coordinating agency for RHTP. (To view the overarching grant announcement made earlier this year, click here. For additional information about Connecticut RHTP, click here.)

"Connecticut is a strong leader in improving the health of all residents," DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves said. "The Rural Health Transformation Program is a significant federal opportunity that will strengthen effective programs across many state agencies. Increasing outdoor physical activity on the Air Line State Park Trail, in partnership with improved outreach in coordination with healthcare providers, further strengthens our state's efforts to help people live healthy and thriving lives."

Consistent with federal requirements for the RHTP, this grant will fund improved trail conditions, outreach and access, as well as other improvement to the existing Air Line State Park Trail in the rural-designated municipalities of Lebanon, Windham, Chaplin, Hampton, Pomfret, Putnam, and Thompson, subject to further CMS review. While the Air Line State Park Trail traverses twelve Connecticut municipalities, these seven towns meet the federal definition of "rural" and therefore qualify for support through the Rural Health Transformation Program at this time. Trail extensions are not included in this project since new construction is not a qualifying expense under this grant program.

The trail's extensive rural reach was a key factor in the project's success. Because it links so many rural communities, the Air Line State Park Trail presents a unique opportunity to expand access to safe, free outdoor recreation and physical activity that advances public health goals across the region. The corridor's significant rural footprint, combined with its existing recreational and transportation value, made the trail an exceptionally strong candidate for investment through this federal initiative.

As the grant moves into its first implementation phase, DEEP is preparing procurement scopes, contractor selections, and site readiness tasks. Early work includes environmental and project planning, trail use assessment, trailside vegetation clearing, hazard tree removal, planning outreach campaigns for residents and health care providers, and planning engagement events and programs with health-provider partners. DEEP will work with local communities and advocacy groups to share updates as the project gets underway.

Federal Disclaimer: This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $154,249,105.53 in Budget Period 1 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.