PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A recreational multi-use trail in the Berkshires has been awarded funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation. On Friday, Congressman Richard Neal announced the $17.3-million federal grant award that will be used to fund the planning, design, and permitting for the “Adventure to Ashuwillticook Trail,” or “A2A Trail Project.” The trail is a 9.3-mile stretch of shared-use pathway connecting the existing Ashuwillticook Rail Trail to the Williamstown Mohican Path by way of downtown North Adams and the rotary of the MASS MoCA campus. DCR to plow Norwottuck Rail Trail as part of pilot program The trail's expansion is part of an economic development plan to attract visitors to the historic region. The pathway connects northern Berkshire cultural tourism destinations, including the Clark Art Institute, Williams College Museum of Art, MASS MoCA, Adams Theater, galleries, historic properties, restaurants, retail shops, and hospitality properties. “As we begin the new year, we are starting right where we left off in 2024 – announcing millions of dollars to improve our infrastructure throughout western Massachusetts. This is the direct result of our efforts at the federal level to pass a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s roads, bridges, airports, clean water, and public transportation. Funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s RAISE program came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – legislation that was drafted in the Ways and Means Committee under my chairmanship,” said Congressman Richard Neal. “This $17.3 million grant is part of more than $27 million awarded to the First District in this latest allotment, supporting projects from Berkshire County to Worcester County. The Adventure to Ashuwillticook Trail Project will highlight the natural resources in North County – a true asset that attracts thousands of visitors every year. This project will play a key role in stimulating significant economic activity throughout the region, while promoting the health and well-being of local residents.” “BRPC is very proud to partner with local governments, private businesses, and non-profit entities who are eager to move this project forward and believe so strongly in the promise of Berkshire collaboration,” states Executive Director Tom Matuszko. “The major benefit afforded by the RAISE grant is that it will provide for the design of the entire segment, which will then open doors for future construction funding in a fully shovel-ready state.” The funding was made possible through the USDOT's Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. The project is part of a planned larger regional 75-mile trail system from the Vermont state line north of Williamstown to Connecticut south of Sheffield. Local News Headlines Respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Massachusetts this winter Sarno, Puppolo push for bail reform to keep violent repeat offenders in jail Drugs, gun seized during Holyoke investigation Cold temperatures cause ice to form on rivers and ponds WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.