The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum and Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield are in line to receive a combined $82,500 in state grants to help boost the county’s cultural and tourist attractions.

The money is part of nearly $2 million awarded to 45 cultural and tourism projects through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s Destination Development Capital Grant Program. The program supports projects that expand, construct, restore or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions.

“Our administration is actively investing in the communities that elevate Massachusetts as a noteworthy travel destination. Through these grants, we aim to foster creative solutions to enhance our tourism economy,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “These grants pave the way for a brighter future for our beloved attractions, allowing us to showcase them on a global scale.”

The grant program aims is to strengthen the state economy through projects that enhance tourism resources and infrastructure, especially through physical or structural upgrades that have a lifespan of greater than five years.

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum

The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum received $10,000 to renovate a section of railway track; replace all ties and timbers; remove the old ballast and replace it with new ballast; and raise, level and align the railway structure for smoother, safer operation.

“It is helpful to have grants like this to help expand our operations,” said museum President Sam Bartlett.

Bartlett explained that the track, while in acceptable condition now, is gradually deteriorating due to the ground being muddy and soft.

“The track is acceptable the way it is,” he said. “It is not going to stay that way.”

The museum, located on Depot Street, is using another state grant to extend its carbarn to allow for the restoration of two new trolley cars, which will allow for the continued expansion of the museum. The museum just reported its highest attendance ever at the annual Trolley Fest celebration in September, and ridership numbers have fully rebounded from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have lots of excited people coming to learn about the railroads and its history,” Bartlett said.

Double Edge Theatre

Ashfield’s Double Edge Theatre was the recipient of a $72,500 grant that will support planning, designing and engineering for a new Community Design Center.

Producing Executive Director Adam Bright said, “It is awesome that the Travel and Tourism department recognizes Double Edge has a draw for tourism in this area. This region needs support for the tourism sector.”

The grant will first fund a feasibility study for the new building. The theater company will then hire engineers, architects and people who work in the green energy sector to help plan for a three-year capital project Double Edge hopes to conduct on its land.

The idea for the new center, Bright said, is for it to be focused on theater design, including puppetmaking. Double Edge also plans to partner with its sister organization, the Ohketeau Cultural Center, to make a plan for renovating buildings on their property to be made into artist housing.

“Western Mass. often does not get the recognition it should with tourism,” Bright said. “Double Edge is a big draw for the area.”

Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao said the state is “committed to enhancing and revitalizing the diverse communities throughout Massachusetts that attract visitors from around the world.”

“Tourism plays a vital role in the economic well-being of our state,” Hao said in a statement, “and this grant program will position Massachusetts at the top of the list as an annual travel destination for years to come.”

Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.