Council approves $102,080 match for Manhan Rail Trail repairs

The Easthampton City Council voted to transfer $102,080 from the city’s Capital Stabilization fund to serve as the local match for a MassTrails grant to repair and restore the Manhan Rail Trail.

Chair Peake introduced the item as "a supplemental appropriation of $102,080 from capital stabilization to the mass trails grant program for revenue," and Greg Donaldman, director of public works, said the work will be "point to point repairs to fix some of the the worst defects in the trail, whether that's a a pavement repair through mill and overlay or a full depth repair, a root barrier installation, hazard tree removal." Donaldman said the project would focus mostly between Ferry Street and Route 5 and must meet the state’s performance deadline of June 30, 2027.

During public comment and council questions, residents asked about trail closures. Donaldman said prior work required only short, periodic section closures and that he does not foresee "long duration closures, more than a week or so per section" under this project; exact timing will depend on bids and scheduling.

Chair Peake moved the transfer motion and, after a second, the council voted to approve the $102,080 appropriation to match the MassTrails grant for the FY27 Manhan Rail Trail pavement restoration project. The council also discussed outreach plans and working with local volunteer groups to notify trail users prior to any closures.