$3M in grants to protect 862 acres in 13 communities

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The state is awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars to five Hampshire County communities for land preservation.

The $353,000 is part of $3 million dollar state grant that will help 13 communities across the Commonwealth.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan presented the land preservation grants to Northampton, Belchertown, Southampton, Granby and Amherst Wednesday. Sullivan says there is more preserved and protected property in Massachusetts than developable land.
   
Amherst will use its grant to protect 20 acres off Bay Road in South Amherst. 

According to Sullivan, “The preserved open spaces and habitat can be used for passive recreation. We have a rail trail project that's involved here but at the end of the day they need to be open to the public.”

Southampton's grant will help build the Southampton Greenway; a recreational trail that will connect the town to the Manhan Trail in Easthampton and the Northampton bikeway.