MATTAPOISETT — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has announced that the town will be receiving $237,849 to create new connections to the Mattapoisett Rail Trail bike path and provide a safer route to Old Hammondtown School and areas of employment in Fairhaven.

This funding is from the most recent round of awards as part of the state’s Shared Streets and Spaces program, and Mattapoisett has been named as one of 11 recipients.

The program, which was created in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, helps fund municipal projects that enhance the use of public ways, including areas for outdoor dining and bike lanes.

"I am pleased to see state dollars fund projects that will help residents enjoy outdoor spaces during these times," said Rep. Bill Straus, House chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. "I thank MassDOT and the Baker administration for their support of this project."