CANTON — The town is applying for a $12,500 grant to build a recreational bridge over Whitney Brook near the new dam, Polly Bussiere of the Canton Dam Advisory Committee said.

The money would pay for materials, equipment rental and grant administration. Volunteers from the Canton Hi-Riders snowmobile club will construct the bridge with pressure-treated timber.

It will be built on the old bridge pillars across the outlet to Whitney Brook, allowing hikers, snowmobilers and ATV riders to travel between the parking lot on Route 140 and the boat launch and trails on the other side.

The project, if approved, will begin in early spring and will be completed by July 1, 2012.