Recreational Trails Program

(1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA - 21)

Application Deadline is May 1, 2012

Funding Limits: Maximum $45,000

Funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is provided through federal gas excise taxes paid on fuel used by off-highway vehicles. Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governing bodies, school districts, state agencies, federal agencies and incorporated organizations are eligible to receive reimbursement for development and maintenance of recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses. Eligible sponsors may be reimbursed for up to 50 percent of the total project costs.

Program Match: This program may be used in conjunction with the state Snowmobile and ATV programs and Stewardship development projects. Please contact your Community Services Specialist for more information.

Eligible projects include:

• Maintenance and restoration of existing trails.
• Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages.
• Construction of new trails (with certain restrictions on Federal lands).
• Acquisition of easement or property for trails.

Projects are ranked in order of funding priority:

1. Rehabilitation of existing trails.
2. Trail maintenance.
3. Trail development.
4. Trail acquisition.

Regional DNR staff reviews and ranks eligible projects. Projects are then ranked in a statewide priority listing. The highest ranking projects will be funded to the extent that funds are available.

Forms

• RTA Application Guidelines [PDF 500KB]
• 8700-191A Recreational Trails Act Grant Application [PDF 92KB]
• 8700-14 - Recreation Grant Project Cost Estimate Worksheet [PDF 90KB]
• Financial Manual [PDF 566KB]

Additional Information

• Mobility Devices on Trails
• Standard DOT Equipment Rates
• Invasive Species - General Chapter NR 40 Information
• Invasive Plant List

Contact

Regional Community Services Specialist