The Town of Essex was approved for $1,448,000 in federal funds for the design and construction of the VT Route 15 Shared Use Path project. The Selectboard approved the grant application in June and committed to providing the 20% local match and accepting future maintenance responsibility.

During the process of updating the Town Plan in 2024, the top request from the community was to expand and better connect the bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure network. This project is the Town's highest priority bicycle/pedestrian project and is a regional priority for the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. Construction of this critical link will be transformative for Essex residents and will provide an important regional connection with neighboring communities.

The Selectboard will consider approval of receiving the grant funds at their next meeting on Monday, October 6.