Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced April 25 grants totaling $49,300 from the state's first ever Greenways Small Grants Program for 10 projects that will provide recreation opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts throughout Connecticut. The greenway projects receiving grants connect a number of towns throughout the state including Farmington, Southington, Stamford, Greenwich, Colchester, Willimantic, Windham, Norwich, Enfield, Thompson, Thomaston, and Watertown.

A $5,000 grant was awarded to the Central CT Regional Planning Agency, which includes Southington, Plainville Farmington. The grant was given for the Farmington Canal Greenway Plan to develop "the preferred and logical routing of this section of the Greenway through the northern part of Southington and all of Plainville.

"We have placed a great deal of emphasis on getting families and young people outside and greenways provide perfect places for families to do this," Rell said. "These beautiful linear open spaces protect natural resources and provide important access to the outdoors for recreation or non-motorized transportation for families of all ages.

"Where you find a greenway, you'll often find people enjoying nature. Whether walking, biking, horseback riding or cross-country skiing, there is something for everyone on Connecticut's greenways."

The Department of Environmental Protection administers the grant program which provides reimbursement grants for greenway planning, design and trail guides, maps, signs or other educational materials to non-profit organizations, municipalities and regional planning organizations.

Since the program was announced last fall, the DEP received 33 proposed greenways projects. After review by DEP staff and the Governor's Greenway Council, 10 projects were recommended for awards.

Examples of the projects receiving funding for this year include: writing and design of a workbook that will assist municipalities and nonprofit groups with planning for greenways and working at a regional scale to create linkages; development of informational and educational brochures and trail signage; development of a trail system; and creation of a "vision map" indicating what the community would like to see in the future of their greenways.

Special recognition of these projects will be made at the Annual Greenways Awards Event scheduled for Friday, June 6, at 2:30 p.m., at Valley Falls Park, Vernon.

DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy added, "Greenways enrich our lives. They make it easier for us all to get outside and see our communities from a new perspective. By purchasing a greenways license plate you show your support for this important program."

The Greenways Small Grants Program was created to provide funding for projects that would otherwise lack a funding source and to compliment the National Recreational Trails Grant Program. Connecticut residents can show their support for future projects by purchasing a Greenways license plate at their local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Since 1999, more than 1,800 license plates have been sold, raising more than $77,135 for projects benefiting Greenways.