Somerset Co Trail Grants

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Somerset County launches new trails grant program​

  • Published: Jun. 15, 2025, 12:28 p.m
The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners has has launched the Somerset County Trails Grant Program, a new initiative designed to support municipalities in developing and expanding trail networks.

The program aims to address the growing demand for trail infrastructure across the county and provide residents with more opportunities for outdoor recreation.



“Trails are consistently the top recreational use desired by County residents – 73% of our residents, when surveyed, asked for more paved trails,“ said Deputy Director Melonie Marano in a statement last month.


Somerset County currently boasts an impressive trail system, with nearly 80 miles of trails within the county parks system alone, offering a variety of experiences including paved, unpaved, boardwalk, and turf trails.

The county-wide trail network spans almost 275 miles of interconnected trails.

The Trails Grant Program is made possible through the County’s Open Space Preservation Trust Fund, which was modified in 2005 to allow for the development and improvement of park and recreational facilities on preserved lands.

Matching funds are encouraged but not required, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Eligible projects may include funding for the design, construction, and administration of trails and associated facilities.

Municipalities interested in applying for the grant can contact Thomas J. Boccino at the Somerset County Planning Division for more information on project eligibility and the application process.

Boccino can be reached via email at boccino@co.somerset.nj.us or by calling (908) 231-7509.
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Based on the statement about paved trails I’m assuming they will give a nod to projects going that direction. I would love it if there was something along the 22/28 corridor connecting Bound Brook and Bridgewater to Somerville. That’s currently a very un-fun stretch to be on a bicycle.
 
rlb said:
Based on the statement about paved trails I’m assuming they will give a nod to projects going that direction. I would love it if there was something along the 22/28 corridor connecting Bound Brook and Bridgewater to Somerville. That’s currently a very un-fun stretch to be on a bicycle.
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Probably doable along the river/train corridor - raritan->millstone connection, then tow path. Just not the safest area.
not direct enough for commuters.

I've worked with Tom for the riverside trails in Branchburg. there is a connector to Hunterdon we talked about.
Should probably reconnect.
 
Patrick said:
Probably doable along the river/train corridor - raritan->millstone connection, then tow path. Just not the safest area.
not direct enough for commuters.

I've worked with Tom for the riverside trails in Branchburg. there is a connector to Hunterdon we talked about.
Should probably reconnect.
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I think there’s some related stuff in the master plan, I need to dig it up.
 
That got derailed by COVID - we were able to push a couple projects through because of COVID, just nothing connected.
I was on a conf call a bit ago, they had a map -

much Hillsboro excitement sourlands/Mt view/old Depot trails - which I can hook to Branchburg - but there is private property in the way.
they sold the railbed.

then Duke/railbed is the same thing in the other direction.

there are some paths where the old rail bed went over to Manny's area - also power lines available.

would be cool to get to the D&R
 
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