WENDELL — The town is one of 15 municipalities, and the only one in Franklin County, set to benefit from a combined $24 million for trail projects across the state.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation intends to build a bridge over Mormon Hollow Brook as part of a larger high-priority project to improve New England Trail stream crossings at DCR facilities. The investment also includes $3 million for trail maintenance and improvements at numerous trails statewide, including trail stream crossings within the Wendell State Forest.

Glenn Johnson-Mussad, Wendell’s town coordinator, said he did not apply for the money, which he called “a happy surprise.”

“We’re thrilled about the funds and hope we can use them to improve people’s ability to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Wendell,” he said.

All existing trails are expected to remain open to the public while maintenance and construction take place.

“This funding is an investment in the well-being of our residents and our economy,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement about the $24 million for trail projects. “Already, outdoor recreation contributes $11 billion to our economy. By investing in our trails system, more people will look to Massachusetts for their next vacation in nature, and we can get our own residents moving out on our trails, whether to work or just to appreciate Massachusetts’ natural beauty. We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and our congressional delegation for making this transformational funding available through the American Rescue Plan Act.”

Of the $24 million investment, $15 million will be used for the construction of major trail systems within the DCR network, including the Charles River Greenway in Waltham, the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail in Waltham, the Mystic River Clippership Connector in Medford and the Blackstone River Greenway.

The money Wendell will receive comes via MassTrails, an interagency grant program through DCR, the state Department of Transportation and the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs that provides matching grants, technical assistance and resources to individuals, municipalities, nonprofits and other public entities. These funds go toward the design, construction and maintenance of hiking trails, bikeways and shared-use paths, according to DCR. The program is accepting applications for next year’s cycle through Feb. 1, 2024. More information on MassTrails is available at tinyurl.com/MassTrails1.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.