Connecticut has secured $7,165,955 in first-year federal funding toward an anticipated five-year, $40 million investment to improve public health in rural northeastern Connecticut by expanding access to the Air Line State Park Trail, a 50-mile multi-use trail running through the region.
The funding comes through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion national program running from 2026 through 2030 in which all 50 states participate, administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Each state develops its own transformation plan; Connecticut's approach is coordinated by the Department of Social Services (DSS), with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) leading the trail project. Eligible improvements are limited to seven rural-designated municipalities along the trail: Lebanon, Windham, Chaplin, Hampton, Pomfret, Putnam, and Thompson. Planned work includes smoother trail surfaces, improved drainage, better signage, more accessible entry points, and outreach campaigns connecting residents and healthcare providers to the trail's health benefits.
"Access to the outdoors is one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve public health," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "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."
"Connecticut is a strong leader in improving the health of all residents," said DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves. "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."
Governor Ned Lamont said, "Outdoor recreation opportunities are a big part of the high quality of life residents enjoy in Connecticut. 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."
Connecticut's RHTP award totals $154,249,105.53 in the first budget period, supporting 30 projects across 10 state agencies. As implementation begins, DEEP is preparing procurement scopes, contractor selections, and site readiness tasks including environmental planning, trail use assessment, vegetation clearing, and hazard tree removal.
