Economic Impact Analysis of the New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway (NHNCG)

24 November 2025

Economic Impact Analysis of the New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway (NHNCG)

New report by Cambridge Econometrics for a consortium of regional partners in Massachusetts and Connecticut reveals the current and potential economic impact of the New Haven and Northampton Canal Greenway (NHNCG).

Currently 80% complete, the greenway is an 81-mile shared use path that follows the historical north-south route of the Farmington Canal, stretching from New Haven, CT to Northampton, MA. Once fully developed, the greenway will be a continuous corridor for walking, running, and biking with connections to urban districts, town centers, neighborhoods, and natural landscapes.

Using Cambridge Econometrics’ REACT input-output model, this study assesses the estimated economic impact of the existing trail as well as two scenarios (low and high) demonstrating the potential impacts of a completed/continuous trail on the Massachusetts and Connecticut economy.

Alongside a quantitative analysis of the economic impacts, the report showcases the tangible economic impact of the NHNCG through 5 case studies on local businesses who are located on or near the greenway, informed by stakeholder interviews.

Overall, findings show that a completed NHNCG could benefit the Massachusetts and Connecticut economies by boosting economic output, creating more jobs, and generating millions in value added over the next 5 to 15 years.

Economic Impact Analysis of the New Haven & Northampton Canal Greenway (NHNCG)

Authors: Ann (Furbush) Ormsbee and Dan Hodge

View Report

The existing greenway already serves as a recreational and transportation asset for the region, with potential for even more economic benefits once the bike and pedestrian trail is fully complete.

Existing greenway users currently spend an estimated $15.1 million each year on food, accommodation, retail and other items.

It is estimated that a completed greenway could attract an increased numbers of users (including local users as well as day and overnight visitors), leading to between $32.0 to $53.8 million annually in direct spending. That direct spending ripples through the states’ economies through supply chain (indirect) and wage spending (induced) impacts, leading to broader economic benefits.

Stakeholder interviews with local businesses along the existing NHNCG corridors further demonstrated the economic benefits of the trail. Each of these cafes, bakeries, bike shops, and fitness facilities, along with countless other businesses, benefits from (and in some cases relies on) the existing NHNCG corridors that pass by their respective establishments.