By Richard Conn/Daily News Staff
Daily News Tribune
Posted Apr 18, 2008 @ 12:40 AM
WALTHAM

Among the package of funds approved by the Community Preservation Committee last week was $150,000 for an environmental assessment for Waltham's portion of the Wayside Rail Trail.

The city Planning Department applied for the money from the city's Community Preservation Act fund, which can only be used for open space, historical preservation, affordable housing and recreation projects.

Waltham's near three-mile stretch of the rail trail - abandoned rail beds that will be converted to bike and walking trails - will extend from the Linden Street Bridge to the Weston line.

Design and construction of the Waltham's portion of the rail trail could cost close to to $3 million, according to preliminary estimates.

The city had been in negotiations with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to lease some of its surplus property to build its portion of the rail trail since 2003. However, last year the state Department of Conservation and Recreation asked that the city suspend those talks so it could negotiate a lease with the MBTA for property to use a 26-mile stretch of the trail. That lease has yet to be finalized.

Bill Durkee, program manager for the city's CPA fund said yesterday the $150,000 for the rail trail along with the other applications approved by the Community Preservation Committee were being sent to the Law Department for review. Once that happens, the funding proposals will be sent to the City Council.

The city's CPA fund has accumulated from property tax surcharges and matching grants since it was approved by voters in 2005.

Richard Conn can be contacted at 781-398-8004 or rconn@cnc.com.