MIDDLEBURY — The Middle­bury selectboard on Tuesday unanimously agreed to apply for almost $160,000 in state grants to build the first two 600-foot segments of a bike and pedestrian pathway on Exchange Street.
Officials are seeking money for the first 1,200 feet of pathway, extending from the Exchange Street/Elm Street intersection to the driveway of MacIntyre Services. If successful with this application, the town would apply for a future grant to complete the third and final segment — from MacIntyre Services to the Exchange Street/Route 7 intersection.
The money is being sought through the Vermont Agency of Transportation’s 2013 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. The grant will require a 10-percent local match.
The Middlebury selectboard has long sought a sidewalk or other safe path along Exchange Street, which has become busier with the arrival of new businesses in the town’s industrial park.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation is expected to make a decision about the application this fall.
Reporter John Flowers is at [email protected].