This past year the Town of Burke and Kingdom Trails came together to undertake a collaborative project to rehabilitate East Darling Hill Rd. We believe this endeavor will restore a main thoroughfare that our community members and visitors value, connecting downtown East Burke and Darling Ridge.
It is because of you, Kingdom Trails is a significant economic driver in the region. Trail users have brought with them economic opportunity and growth, but with that there are challenges around traffic and pedestrian safety. The project consists of the reconstruction, new subbase, drainage and asphalt, plus a 5 foot bike lane for uphill cyclists. Additionally, two parcels of land adjacent to the road will be purchased to secure Kitchel and Herb’s trail connection, ensuring that trail users will have an off-road option instead of using East Darling Hill Rd for both uphill and downhill bicycle travel, avoiding a dangerous conflict between cycle and car, increasing safety of our community and visitors, drivers and riders.
Together, the Town of Burke and Kingdom Trails were thrilled to be awarded a $438,426 Northern Border Regional Commission federal grant! Yet this was not the full amount needed to complete the $956,000 project. Our community still wishes to strive for the full scope of the project in order to assure safety. The Town of Burke has committed $300,000 and Kingdom Trails has put forth $153,000. After a generous donation of $10,000 from Casella Waste Systems and $5,000 from Community National Bank, funding is nearing completion with just $50,000 left to raise!
The Town of Burke and Kingdom Trails would be beyond thankful if you were to make a donation towards this necessary project. Not only would your contribution allow us to complete a successful project, but the impact you would have would be astounding.
We thank you in advance for your donation!
Abby Long & Christine Emmons
Kingdom Trails Executive Director & Town of Burke SelectBoard Chair
