BOSTON - Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday he is moving forward with $500,000 in funding to support the engineering and design of a multi-use trail on the former Boston & Maine Railroad corridor in Wakefield and Lynnfield through the Reedy Meadow.
This first stage of the project will design a multi-use path along 4.4 miles beginning near Galvin Middle School on Main Street and continuing through Lynnfield and the Reedy Meadow to the Peabody town line. The path will connect residential neighborhoods, commercial and recreational areas, schools, the Reedy Meadow National Natural Landmark and the MBTA station in Wakefield.
"This targeted investment of transportation funds will greatly improve bicycle and pedestrian access and improve the quality of life for residents in the Wakefield and Lynnfield area," said Governor Patrick. The Governor also recognized Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Melrose) "for her exceptional advocacy and leadership on the project."
"Creating healthy transportation alternatives that are good for the environment and create stronger communities is a key component of transportation reform," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. "This trail is one more example of our commitment to this comprehensive vision for transportation."
"This funding for the Rail to Trail project will not only allow us to design a great recreational opportunity but it will also provide a significant source of economic development and growth in Wakefield and Lynnfieid," said Clark. "I am grateful to the Governor for his support of this great project and how responsive the Governor's office has been to my request for this funding. I also thank the Wakefield Rail to
Trail Committee, the Lynnfieid Recreation Path Committee, the town officials and the other members of the state delegation for all their hard work over many years to bring this project to fruition."
"This is fantastic news for Wakefield and Lynnfieid. The added recreational opportunities and environmental benefits of this project will make a big difference for residents of all ages. I am very pleased that the hard work and cooperation of the legislative delegation, town officials, Governor Patrick, and so many local citizens has brought us this critical funding," said Rep. Mark Falzone (D-Saugus).
"This is wonderful news for the Wakefield RTT Committee and the Lynnfieid Recreation Path Committee. The funding for the engineering and design phase of the project will now allow us to move forward on
this many-faceted goal. The economic, health and environmental benefits of this undertaking will be enjoyed by the two Towns for generations. I personally want to thank Representative Katherine Clark, who has been such a great advocate for the project with the Governor and his staff," said Dot Halpin, chairwoman of the Wakefield Rail-to-Trail Committee.
Senate Minority Leader Richard R. Tisei of Wakefield also did a lot of work in helping the project get to its current stage.
MassDOT will work with the communities of Wakefield and Lynnfieid to initiate the funding and develop the necessary parameters for the project design, including a designer selection process. Community officials are working with the MBTA, rail corridor owners, on a long term lease.