Recreational Trails Program

Overview

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) was created in 1998 and is funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The RTP provides grant assistance to State and Federal agencies and local units of government for the acquisition and/or development/improvement of recreational trails and trail related resources. Examples of eligible trail types include but are not limited to walking, jogging, cycling, skating, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, off-highway vehicle, and equestrian.

The Federal share of the program is up to 80 percent of total project costs up to the grant ceiling associated with the type of trail and/or trail related facility. The project sponsor must provide at least 20 percent match in the form of State, local, or private sources, and may include volunteer labor and/or donated materials and/or services.

Applications may be submitted for the following activities:

• Development of urban trail linkages (includes trail linkages to schools, parks, and existing trails)
• Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails
• Provision of features which facilitate the access and use of trails by persons with disabilities
• Acquisition of easements for recreational trails or recreational trails corridors
• Acquisition of fee simple title to property from a willing seller for trail development
• Construction of new recreational trails
• Assessment of trail conditions for accessibility and maintenance
• Development and dissemination of publications and operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection

News

Trail Apprentice Program Opportunity

The Partnership for the National Trails System is pleased to announce its second virtual Trail Apprentices Program for young leaders aged 18 to 28 years. The deadline to apply is August 15, 2021.

More information here.

Application Workshop

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will be conducting an application workshop for FY 2022 Recreational Trail Program (RTP) funding cycle. Due to public safety concerns regarding COVID-19, the workshop will be virtual and held Monday, August 16, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.

RTP 2022 Workshop Meeting Details

FY2022 RTP Application Workshop Memo

Contact