Southbridge Subcommittee Backs Heritage Trail Grant Bid After Two Failed Attempts

Select Board · Meeting of January 21, 2026

Southbridge's Joint Education and Human Services Subcommittee voted unanimously to pursue a $500,000 state trail grant for Heritage Trail improvements and to accept a $250 donation for the Senior Center. The January 21 meeting, attended by Councilor Provo, Councilor Montigny, and Councilor Lazo sitting in, while Councilor Ortiz was excused, moved quickly through both agenda items. A staff member identified only as Mike said the town had applied for the same MASH Trail Grant in prior years without success, but that direct feedback from grant board member Amanda Lewis and outside reviewer Thomas Chamberlain of Sturbridge made this year's application stronger.

The project would bring the Heritage Trail to ADA standards; if awarded, the state would cover $400,000 and Southbridge would be responsible for $100,000. Both recommendations now go to the full Town Council, with the grant application deadline set for February 2.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of January 21, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.