Auburn Ranked 13th of 38 Applicants for Multi-Use Path Funding

The Town of Auburn has been notified it was ranked 13th of 38 communities throughout New Hampshire applying for funds available through the NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT) that could be used to establish a multi-use path along NH Route 121 from Eaton Hill Road to Shore Drive.

Although the Town scored well in the competitive Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) process, it was not approved for funding in the 2018 grant round.

The NHDOT had approximately $5.7 million available in funding for the TAP program in 2018. The grant applications submitted by the 38 municipalities totaled more than $22.6 million in requests.  The NHDOT was able to approve nine projects for funding in this procress.

Auburn's notice and the listing of the nine local projects selected for funding can be reviewed by clicking here.

The project submmitted by Auburn was a multi-use path that would provide a safe connection for walkers, bicyclists, hikers, runners, snowshoers and cross-country skiers from the center of Auburn to various trails leading around the lake and to other parts of the community.

As envisioned by Town officials, the multi-use path would not be connected to NH Route 121, but would be separated for the safety of the users of the path.  When the Town entered into the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with Manchester Water Works in 2014, this potential project being located on MWW property was included as part of the agreement. 

In 2018, the Town surveryed the project area and developed a basic design plan for this project.  Initial cost estimates suggest a total project cost of $904,159, with construction in 2019 or 2020.  Grant funds would cover 80% of the project costs ($723,327), while the Town would be responsible for the remaining $180,832. 

Town officials may re-submit the project for consideration in the next round of TAP funding which is anticipated in 2020.