Organizers behind the long-awaited extension of the Housatonic Rail Trail have announced the community fundraising campaign has officially reached its goal, securing the final funding needed to complete the first phase of Newtown’s rail trail extension.

The effort, led by the Newtown Bike & Trail Committee in partnership with local volunteers and municipal partners, successfully closed the remaining funding gap through a wave of community donations and a major contribution from The Jeniam Foundation.

The project’s original “Rail-Trail-Blazer” campaign sought to raise the final $50,000 needed to begin construction of the extension, which will connect Newtown to the existing Housatonic/Pequonnock River Trail systems spanning Monroe, Trumbull, and Bridgeport.

Momentum for the project grew quickly after generous donors and local businesses stepped forward with substantial contributions. Brautigam Land Surveyors, GRC Construction LLC, and Lenahan Land Clearing & Grinding Inc collectively contributed more than $117,000 in funds and in-kind services.

A grant from the Newtown Board of Realtors added another $6,000. Organizers also recognized contributions and support from Attorney Dan Murtha of Hoekenga Machado & Lyon LLC; Aaron Malin of A.P. Malin & Co Remodeling; and Gaetano Marra, owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, along with several generous donations from both current and former Newtown residents.

According to Greg Carnrick, who has helped manage the effort as both a local resident and member of the Newtown Bike & Trail Committee, community support brought the campaign close to its target before The Jeniam Foundation stepped in with the final contribution needed to complete the fundraising effort.

“While their focus is primarily on local conservation efforts, they believe in this project and what it will mean for the residents,” Carnrick said. “After the Newtown community stepped up and got us close to our goal, they decided to help bring us over the finish line. Truly angel investors.”

First Selectman Bruce Walczak said he is grateful for the work and perseverance of the committee, volunteers, and generosity of donors who worked so hard to make this happen.

“The town owes them immense gratitude for their efforts,” the first selectman said. “It’s the kind of project that invites people to slow down, explore, and really enjoy what our community has to offer.”

Walczak said Newtown’s rail trail extension will open the door to welcome even more people to Newtown to park at the trail head site and planned pavilion, enjoy a picnic, and set off to experience nearly 17 miles of the beautiful Housatonic/Pequonnock River Trail.

The Newtown extension will create a fully ADA-compliant trail segment featuring smooth, stable surfaces, gentle grades, and accessible entry points for wheelchairs and mobility devices. The trail will connect users from Newtown to the broader regional rail trail stretching from Monroe to Bridgeport, with the long-term goal of extending and connecting to the Parks & Recreation trail system at the Fairfield Hills campus.

Newtown Bike & Trail Committee Chairman Charles Zukowski described the milestone as the culmination of decades of advocacy.

“Extending the Housatonic Rail Trail from Monroe to a new trailhead on Swamp Road has been a dream of trail enthusiasts in Newtown for decades,” Zukowski said earlier during the fundraising campaign.

Town officials say the project aligns with Newtown’s recently adopted 2024 Plan of Conservation & Development and supports broader regional transportation and recreation initiatives. Carnrick added the milestone represents a turning point for the project and thanked town staff, volunteers, and the community for helping keep the dream alive for nearly 30 years.

“I never thought I’d see this day,” he said. “This project has been powered by volunteers, local businesses, town staff, and residents who believed in the vision. Reaching this goal means we can finally move forward and make the rail trail extension a reality.”

Newtown’s Director of Economic and Community Development John Voket has been involved with the project since becoming Newtown's director of economic and community development in 2023. According to Carnrick, the ECD director was instrumental in facilitating the new railroad crossing that made the extension possible.

The ECD Department is supporting the forthcoming engineering and construction, which will be coordinated through the Newtown Department of Public Works. Voket said the fundraising success leading to the construction phase demonstrates what can happen when residents, businesses, and town leadership rally behind a shared vision.

“This project has always been about connectivity, recreation, and creating something lasting for the community,” he said. “The fact that residents and local businesses stepped up the way they did says a lot about how important this trail is to Newtown’s future. I'm looking forward to transitioning from planning into construction as we continue building on the momentum that made this possible.”

Organizers now say construction activities are expected to begin this summer.