U.S. Representative Katherine Clark, the Democratic Whip whose district (MA-5) includes Arlington, presented a $1 million check in federal funds for the design of a shared-use path between the Mystic River Path and the Minuteman Bikeway.
“This is about taking the chaos that is Washington and keeping the focus right here on local projects and investing in our people and in our communities,” Clark said at the May 8 press conference at Arlington’s Parallel Park, which abuts the Mystic Valley Parkway.
The path will span 1.7 miles and cross through Arlington and Medford along the Mystic River and Lower Mystic Lake. The security of federal funds followed Arlington’s conclusion of its feasibility study for the project in September 2022.
Clark emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and state government agencies for the project’s creation.
“This investment connecting the Minuteman bike way and the Mystic River path is not only going to be great for recreation and for helping us keep our streets safe, but it is a sign of hope that when we listen to our local communities and work together, we can still do great things and big projects,” said Clark at the event was attended by Town Manager Jim Feeney and Director of Planning and Community Development Claire Ricker.
The funds supporting the shared-use path design are part of the $4 million that Clark earmarked from the federal budget for the development of climate-resilient projects in the Massachusetts 5th Congressional District, such as a public riverfront park near the Malden Department of Public Works yard.
Ricker highlighted how the project will improve accessibility and support the environmental resilience of the Mystic River Watershed.
“Planned enhancements such as way-finding, seating, gathering spaces, and scenic overlooks will help create a welcoming and enjoyable public space for residents and visitors alike,” Ricker said. “This project is about improving how people move through and experience our town and region, whether they’re commuting, exercising, or simply spending time outdoors.”
Arlington Select Board Chair John Hurd thanked Clark for her dedication to the project.
“We’re really appreciative that Congresswoman Clark was able to secure our funds to help make this a reality,” Hurd said. “If we can help bicyclists and residents using other alternative forms of transportation and connect the surrounding bikeways, it really creates a safe, viable option for people and an alternative to using their vehicles.”
The granting of federal funds kickstarts the creation of a shovel-ready design for the pathway. This process, which consists of securing permits and zoning approvals, is estimated to take a year and a half to complete. The project will then progress into the construction phase.
Clark told YourArlington that climate projects like the bike path will positively impact the Arlington community.
“We really look at all of these projects as ways that would benefit everyone who lives in Arlington and gets to be surrounded by its beauty,” Clark said. “We want people to be able to have clean water and ways to interact with the environment and our park system as easily as possible.”
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Original article HERE.