The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally funded grant program administrated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to develop, improve, or expand motorized and non-motorized trails and their facilities.
Donor Name: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
State: Oregon
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/30/2023
Size of the Grant: $150,000
Details:
Project uses include pedestrian (hiking, running, and wheelchair access), biking, mountain biking, water trail use, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.
The intent for RTP grant funding is to enhance trail opportunities by achieving results that would not otherwise be possible. RTP grants are for projects that are primarily recreational in nature, rather than serving a more utilitarian transportation function. RTP grants typically fund on-the ground projects, while limited funds are available for educational or trail assessment components.
Eligible Projects
In general, RTP funds may be used for the following types of projects:
- New trail construction
- Heavy trail restoration
- Trailhead facilities
- Purchase or lease of trail construction and trail maintenance equipment
- Land or easement acquisition for trail purposes
- Safety and education programs or materials
- Assessment of trail conditions for accessibility or maintenance
- Water trails
Eligible Projects Elements
- Construction of new recreational trails
- This category includes construction of entirely new trails, expansion of trails, and new linkages between existing trails. This category may include construction of new trail bridges or providing appropriate wayfinding signage along the newly constructed trail.
- Heavy restoration of existing trails
- This includes trail restoration or rehabilitation beyond the land manager’s normal maintenance capacity. This category may include trail bridge replacements, heavy tread restoration, trail reroutes, or providing appropriate wayfinding signage along an existing trail. Restoration projects are necessitated by trails or their facilities beyond normal life expectancy, natural disasters or other destruction, facilities not meeting health & safety codes, the need for critical natural resource protection, or other extenuating circumstances.
- Purchase, rental, or lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment
- The purchase, lease, or rental of equipment dedicated to trail building and trail maintenance activities is 10 eligible. Labor costs to operate the equipment once purchased cannot be used as match.
Funding Information
- Oregon’s annual RTP allocation is approximately $1.6 million. At least 30% of funds are set aside for motorized trail projects.
- The minimum grant request amount is $10,000. There is a recommended grant request maximum of $150,000 for non-motorized proposals and no maximum for motorized proposals
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include local, state, federal, Tribal, and other governments. Non-profits registered with the Oregon Secretary of State for at least three years prior to application may also be eligible to apply.
For more information, visit Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
