State Representative William Straus announced on Monday night that the Town of Mattapoisett has been awarded a state grant in the amount of $120,000 for further engineering study of the bike path’s Phase 2a planning.
Originally, The Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path in partnership with the town’s Bike Path Committee had applied for a Community Preservation Act grant in the amount of $120,000, the estimated costs for preplanning and an engineering study required for the recreational path’s Phase 2a.
Phase 2a includes bringing the path from Goodspeed Island Road across Route 6 and weaving through residential areas along the railroad easement to the entrance of Industrial Drive. Here, it is proposed the Mattapoisett path would link up to Marion’s extension thereof near the Bay Club. The CPA committee reviewed and accepted their grant application.
But at the 11th hour prior to the Spring Town Meeting, that group asked to have the request withdrawn as state funding would be sought. That decision proved prudent. On June 27, the Select Board, during its regularly scheduled meeting, acknowledged the state grant, and it was confirmed that the town’s match will be $30,000.
In his press release, Straus wrote, “… Mattapoisett will receive planning and design assistance for the final connection link in town for the bike path (Phase 2A) which will allow for the ultimate extension of the bike path from the center of town north from Route 6 and across North Street toward the Town of Marion. Known as a Mass Trails Grant from the state, this funding in the amount of $120,000 will be used for the design and right of way work for the path which closely follows the former railroad right of way through town.”
In other business on this night, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said that he met with representatives for VHB, the town’s engineering consultant, regarding the village-streets project. He said that the group was gathering additional information and data relevant to sidewalks, tree removal, water lines and culverts for impacted areas.
Lorenco said that he recently learned the town’s street(s) improvement project was placed on the 2026 TIP schedule, the state Department of Transportation’s transportation improvement program. Lorenco also said that the project is now estimated at $10,000,000 and may be separated into two projects.
The next steps, according to Lorenco, were a planned site walk with VHB and representatives from various utilities in preparation for the needed 75-percent design planned for completion by January 2023.
Other large infrastructural projects discussed included the July start date for improvements to Industrial Drive and work funded by a Complete Streets grant for Mattapoisett Neck Road.
Regarding the former fire station, Lorenco said an environmental study has been completed and that he anticipated receiving a report in the next few days.
Lorenco said that employment postings for the Highway Department are available to view on the town’s website, mattapoisett.net. Seasonal positions and at least one full-time position are available.
Where’s the front door? Lorenco said that people are attempting to enter the new fire station via the Route 6 door intended to be used by staff only. He said that Route 6 door is adjacent to the overhead apparatus doors and thusly is not intended for use by the general public. He said signage will be needed so that the public knows which door to access.
The Transfer Station’s new hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:45 pm.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, July 12, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell