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New Haven and Northampton MANHAN Enhancements ApplicationTransportation Enhancements Application 1. Project Location and Descri tiow Project Title: The Manhan Rail Trail - Northampton to Easthampton leg Project Size: Eleven miles ( I 1 ) is the total length of the proposed Manhan Rail Trail project. This application covers the four miles linking Northampton with Ferry Street in Easthampton. Project Location: (Include Streets, County and Municipalities) The Manhan Rail Trail will be located in the Hampshire County communities of Northampton, Southampton and Easthampton on existing Pioneer Valley Railroad and Massachusetts Electric rights -of -way. The Trail follows the historic New Haven to Northampton Canal, which mainly parallels US Route 10. The municipalities of Easthampton, Northampton and Southampton are the sponsoring towns. A location map is included as Appendix "A ". Enhancement Categon7 Primary Enhancement Cate on,: Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Enhancement projects are categorized by type for the purpose of ranking. The primary enhancement category listed above serves to inform the manner in which the proposed project will be evaluated. Please check any other Enhancement Categories that are applicable to the project: Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities - The Manhan Rail Trail Project (Rail Trail) will provide citizens of the sponsoring communities the opportunity to walk or bicycle along the rail corridor which was formerly operated by The Pioneer Valley Railroad. Scenic and Historic Acquisitions - The Pioneer Valley Rail corridor goes through the scenic Pioneer Valley which has many well known scenic attributes. Additionally, there are cites of historical significance on the entire length of the rail, including a canal which formerly serviced the communities with conunerce needs and at the turn of the century. (Please see details in sections following.) Scenic and Historic Highways —�— Landscaping - The design for the Manhan Rail Trail project includes many items of landscape architecture. The preliminary design includes architectural treatment of many significant points of interest along the Manhan Rail Trail. (Please see details in sections following.) —�_ Historic Preservation - The Manhan Rail Trail project's preliminary design has enhanced the preservation on the various historical attributes of the pioneer valley. (Please see details in sections following) _Restoration & Operation of Historic Transportation Facilities - The Manhan Rail Trail project's preliminary design includes provisions which will restore the abandoned rail corridor into a historical scenic passage with multiple transportation uses. Rail Trail Acquisition and Development - The Pioneer Valley Rail has been abandoned for many years. The Manhan Rail Trail's preliminary plans are to acquire ownership of the rail and develop the abandoned rail into a serene environment for community use and enjoyment. Billboard Control and Development Archaeological Activities Highway Runoff Mitigation Project T,e. Please note that if a project is applying for construction f Inds attachment must be completed. C onstruction/Installation Design/Engineering Planning/Study Acquisitions Operations Other S Project Description: Provide a concise statement that summarizes the project. More expansive text should be included in the formal proposal. The communities propose to construct an eleven mile long regional multi -use trail along rail beds now owned by the Pioneer Valley Railroad and rights -of -way owned by Massachusetts Electric Company. This particular project phase will design the trail from a trail head in Northampton to a key access point off Ferry Street in Easthampton. This will coincide with other design being done along another utility easement extension (Northampton to Williamsburg). The Manhan Rail Trail can be used as a commuting route connecting employment centers in Northampton, Easthampton, Southampton, Westfield, and Holyoke. The corridor will also provide an important link to the town centers of the aforementioned towns, thus enhancing economic development. This trail will be an important piece in a regional bikeway system. It is currently planned to link north to the popular Nonvottuck trail, and has the potential for linking south through Westfield and Southwick to the Farmington Canal Trail, which extends the breadth of Connecticut to New Haven. The route is the right of way of the former Northampton to New Haven canal, which was built in the early 1800's. 'Hiis picturesque trail parallels the Manhan River, and provides scenic views of Mount Tom. The potential links with existing open spaces and recreation facilities are shown in the accompanying maps and described in the narrative. Benefits: Briefly state how the project supports the eligible enhancement category and fidfrlls the goals of both ISTEA and (lie needs of the Commonwealth. This should be complemented by additional text. The project wiII generate the necessary designs and engineering for the first leg of the Manhan Rail Trail. The trail supports the Enhancement Category `Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities" through the creation of a new trail which will be a key component of a large regional system. Additionally, the project supports numerous other enhancement categories. 2. Protect construction/Implementation Schedule Basic Designllmplementation: Preliminary design is in progress and the planned implementation of the Mardian Rail Trail design project is in 1996. The sponsoring communities will be ready to proceed with the project within three (3) months of notification of project approval. The communities will draft a Request for Proposals in the near future in order to implement the project as soon as possible. Estimated completion date of project: The Manhan Rail Trail project is projected to be completed by the end of calendar year 1996. 3. Financial Data Federal dollars requested State dollars requested Applicant match (10% minimum) Total Project cost Project Cost Breakdown: Planning and design Land acquisition Utility Relocation Construction/Implementation $48,240 $12,060 $6,700 567,000 $67,000 4. Background Information Applicant (Grout). A.gencv. etc.) Name and Address: Towns of Southampton and Easthampton, by and through their respective Boards of Selectmen, and the City of Northampton by its mayor. Contact person/Title: Stuart Beckley, Town Plainer Telephone number: 529 -1406 Who will own and maintain the completed project? The Towns of Easthampton and Northampton will own and maintain the project. The Communities are currently discussing long -term maintenance with the Department of Environmental Management and Massachusetts Electric Company. 7 Is a maintenance /endowment agreement in place for the project? Not at this time. The Parks and Recreation Department and Department of Public Works in the respective towns are expected to receive responsibility and local funding for long- tern-t maintenance, if the Department of Environmental Management is unable to manage the facility. A non - profit organization ( "Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail ") will be established to coordinate and fund long -term care and education programs regarding proper use of the Trail. Regional Data To be completed by the RPA. Priority number of the project. Total number of projects submitted. Total number of projects received. % of total budget request that the project represents. ? . A Enhancement Project Information Sheet Part I A. City /Town: Easthampton, Northampton, Southampton B. Route /Street: ".oute 10, Lovefiel d Street, �'.oute 66 C. Fed. Aid Rte: US Toute 10 D. Project Type: Bicycle and Pedestrial Facilities E. Estimated Cost: $67,000 F. Anticipated funding: $60.,300 G. Number of travel lanes and ADT: N/A Part II. A. Location description and estimated project limits by mile marker and station. Ferry Street to Dnwntown No_rthar!ntnn, see B. Scenic road? No MAP C. Adequacy of existing Right of Way? Probably adequate Probably will require takings X Probably will require easements and /or rights of entry D. Anticipated federal and state environmental /historic requirements. X_ Probably will require a Request for Determination of Applicability. (RDA) X Probably will require a Notice of intent (NOI) /Order of Conditions. (OOC) Probably will require a Water Quality Certificate. (WQ) X Probably will require State /Federal historic /archeological review. Probably will require Sate /Federal rare/ endangered species review. Probably will require hazardous materials review. (HAZ) Probably will require a Chapter 91 Waterways permit. (CH91) Probably will require Mass. Coastal Zone Management review. (CZM) Probably will require an Environmental Notification Form. (ENF) _ Probably will require an Environmental Impact Report. (EIR) Probably will require a categorical exclusion checklist. (CE) Probably will require a 4F properties review. (4F) Probably will require an Environmental assessment. (EA) Probably will require a Finding of No Significant Impact. (FONSI) Probably will require an Environmental Impact" Statement. (EIS) Probably will require an Army Corps of, Engineers 404 permit (404) Probably will require a Natl Pollutant Discharge Elim. Sys. permit. (NPD) Probably will require a U.S. Coast Guard permit. (CG) E. Description of need for improvements. Improvements will provide alternate route for commuters between Westfield and Northampton. This will provide some decrease in air pollutants. Project will link existing heavily used bicycle trails (Northampton and Norwottuck) with projects to south including the Farmington Canal trail in Connecticut. The project will optimize a regional (north to i south) bicycle /pedestrian system.. The improvements are needed to meet the recreational demand while reducing the demand on the highway routes. F. Is there any information regarding this project which may be useful to the Technical Review Committee in making there decision? There is much technical and historical data available for review. The 1990 Route 10 Corridor Study (Pioneer Valley Planning Commission) identifies increasing traffic and the need for controls and alternatives (see Appendix). The Regional Transportation Plan lists the project. A document is enclosed in this application which describes the historical significance of the route along the Northampton to New Haven Canal. Yale University is currently hosting an exhibit about the Canal. The transportation, historical and recreational benefits to the region (this is an effort by several communities) are great. Documentation /Certification The Town of Easthampton and City of Northampton hereby certify their ability and willingness to assume full responsibility for the project, including bidding, project oversight, review, and documentation. The municipalities further certify their ability to provide maintenance for the project and the associated property. Please refer to letters and resolutions of support from Chief Elected Officers in Appenrlir. 11 Project Narrative: Manhan Rail Trail The Manhan Rail Trail was conceived and is being developed by the Easthampton, Northampton, Southampton Bike Trail Advisory Committee. The goal of the Committee is a trail running from the Southampton/Westfield town line to the center of Northampton. Long -terra the Manhan Rail Trail will link the popular Norwottuck and Northampton trails through Westfield and Southwick to the Farmington Canal trail in Connecticut. The Manhan Rail Trail offers numerous benefits to the individual communities and to the region. These are detailed below. Transportation The project will improve the regional transportation network around Route 10, Route 141, and Route 66 by decreasing the number of daily vehicle trips. The Trail will be used as a commuter route to and from the economic center of Northampton. Additionally, the trail will pass in close proximity to the Easthampton Industrial Park. Easthampton currently offers very limited school bus service; the trail will decrease the number of automobile trips by parents to transport children to schools. Please refer to Appendix D for information about Vehicular Trips along Route 10. The bicycle network in the region will also be greatly improved by the Manhan Rail Trail. The recently opened Norwottuck Rail Trail from Northampton to Amherst is one of the area's most popular recreational attractions. The Manhan Rail Trail would expand that facility and create the opportunity to link with the Farmington Canal Trail which runs the breadth of the state of Connecticut. The Bike Committee conducted a public opinion survey which showed an overwhelming support for the construction of the Rail Trail. Two out of three respondents supported the use of local funds to move the project forward. [The results of the survey are included as Appendix C.] Economic Development Northampton is recognized as the area's leading economic center; the Manhan Rail Trail will draw more visitors to the Center. This is evidenced by the use and expansion of commercial facilities along the Norwottuck Trail. The Town of Easthampton is in the third year of a downtown revitalization process. The Manhan Rail Trail runs right through the heart of Easthampton's Downtown. The increase in visitors will spark new commercial growth in the business district where there is currently a very high vacancy and turnover rate, 12 The ISTEA Enhancements will augment other public and private investments in the communities. Easthampton is funding improvements to Nashawannuck Pond, located in the Center. A new walkway and fishing pier will be established. Funds are being sought from the Small Cities Program and Public Works for Economic Development (PWED) program to revitalize businesses and downtown infrastructure. Northampton continues to improve its downtown and is looking to improve transportation to the former State Hospital Site and new office park zoning district. The Manhan Rail Trail is linked to all of these projects. History The route of the proposed Manhan Rail Trail follows the New Haven to Northampton Canal which was constructed in the 1830's. The canal was used for fifteen years, then abandoned for use as a railroad. Key features such as locks and other structures are still evident along the route. A description of this historic resource is included as Appendix D. In addition to the history of the route itself, the Trail will pass by other historic areas. Industrial Mills in Easthampton and Northampton abut the trail, providing a glimpse of boom years manufacturing buttons, felt and rubber suspenders. The Trail is near Easthampton's historic Main Street District. Recreation One need only to review the use of the Norwottuck Trail in Northampton and Amherst to understand the demand for expanded bicycle facilities in the Pioneer Valley. The Manhan Rail Trail will offer recreational facilities including the Trail, educational areas, picnic facilities, and parking areas. The link with an existing facility enhances the overall recreational system. The proposed Trail is adjacent to Massachusetts Audubon's Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (see letter of support). It passes several ball fields, and is very close to the Mt. Tom State Reservation, Easthampton's Nonotuck Park, Nashawannuck Pond, Northampton State Hospital Lands and the fields of Smith College, as well as smaller local parks and open spaces. The Manhan Rail Trail will be an important part of a regional greenbelt system. 13 Visual Information 14 Criteria Information 1. The project is eligible under the Enhance Category of provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles. General Merit Criteria Significance: This project is extremely important to the region and to the individual communities. It will improve the transportation and recreational systems, while contributing to the continued efforts to improve economic development. The project will protect the right -of -way resource for public use. The project itself AND the accompanying multiplier effects will greatly improve the quality of life of residents, employees, and visitors of the region. The project is listed in the Regional Transportation Plan, Quality: The project is based on existing rail and utility rights -of -way. It will be therefore relatively easy to design using state bicycle design standards. The Towns and Advisory Committee have a realistic view of implementation of the Manhan Rail Trail. This Enhancements application is only the first of several phases to completion. Cost Effectiveness: This application asks solely for design and engineering funds for a key stretch of the Manhan Rail Trail. Having designs in hands will allow the communities to move forward in pursuit of other funding sources for construction. The investment of $67,000 for design will ultimately lead to the development of a 3 or 4 million dollar project. Accessibility: The project will have numerous access points including areas from which the surrounding landscape and features can be reached by the public. In Easthampton, for example, it is hoped that there will be a link (museum or tour) that allows visitors to leave the Trail and visit the historic mills. The project will be available to many uses: biking, walking, exercise, horseback riding, and snowmobilers. This is based on the needs identified in the survey. The design of the trail will be key in gathering public input about the ultimate use of the facility. Multiple categories: The project is also eligible under acquisition of scenic easements, landscaping, historic preservation, rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities and preservation of abandoned railway corridors. Implementation: THE PROJECT IS READY TO IMPLEMENT. The municipalities commit to being ready to proceed with the design within 3 months of notification of enhancements approval. Documentation such as RFPs will be prepared in anticipation of notification to increase the ability to implement in a timely way. 17 Resolution I MOVE THAT THE TOWN OF EASTHAMPTON, ACTING BY AND THROUGH THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, APPROVE THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR ISTEA GRANT FUNDS IN ORDER TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION OF AN ELEVEN MILE STRETCH OF RAILBED AND FOR THE DESIGN OF THE SECTION OF NORTHAMPTON TO EASTHAMPTON. AS A BOARD, WE SUPPORT THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE MANHAN RAIL TRAIL. THE TOWN HAS SHOWN ITS SUPPORT AND WILL TAKE UP THE MATTER OF FUNDING ATIK��k A FUTURE TOWN MEETING. RESOLUTION PASSED WITH A VOTE OF 4 -0 AT THE APRIL 26, 1995 MEETING OF THE EASTHAMPTON SELECTBOARD. Sincerelv, �t e� G. riis airperson Easthampton lect Board Mary L. Ford Mayor CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS CITY HALL 210 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR (413) 586 -6950 FAX: (413) 586 -3726 April 25, 1995 Enhancements Steering Committee Bureau of Transportation Planning and Development Executive Office of Transportation and Construction 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 -3969 RE: Northampton -- Easthampton Rail- Trail -- ISTEA Enhancements Application Dear Steering Committee Members: I would like to lend my strong support for the joint Northampton- Easthampton enhancements application for new rail trail from Northampton to Easthampton. The city is committed to the project and to meeting our share of the local match for the project. I am very excited about this project. This linkage is unique among area rail trails because it extends right to the edge of our respective downtowns. As a result, in addition to recreational uses it will provide an excellent opportunity for the many commuters between the two communities. This trail is part of a rail -trail network that, by the turn of the century, will link Northampton with Southhampton, Easthampton, Williamsburg, Hadley, Amherst, and Belchertown. I urge your support for this application so that we can complete the final surveying and design during federal fiscal year 1996. Sincerely, M Mary L. Ford F __ _. t.j Printed on rerycfed paper.