Federal Grants
for Public Trails
In the area of recreational project grants the federal government offers a variety of opportunities for state and local government organizations looking to acquire or improve public recreation areas such as public trails and parks. Project grants can be found within a variety of government agencies that often offer rolling applications without set deadlines.
Federal Recreation Grant
Funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Outdoor Recreation-Acquisition, Development and Planning Grant provides financial assistance to state-run organizations for the preparation of outdoor recreation plans. The grant also provides funding for purchasing and developing outdoor recreational facilities and properties for public use. Monetary awards range from several hundred dollars to several million dollars depending on the type of project, and there is no deadline for this grant. Applicants can apply anytime and can expect an approval/disapproval time of 20 days for acquisition and development projects and 60 days for planning projects. For more information visit federalgrantswire.com.
Recreational Trails Program
For recreational trail projects across the nation individual states can apply for funding through the Recreational Trails Program. Funded by the Federal Highway Administration, a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the RTP "provides funds to the States to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses," such as hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, horse-back riding, snowmobiling and off-road motorcycling. Each state administers its own programs, and monetary awards vary depending on the proposed projects. For more information about policies and project eligibility requirements you can find specific state RTP information at www.fhwa.dot.gov.
Grants for Acquiring Recreational Property
Funded through the Department of the Interior, the Disposal of Federal Surplus Real Property for Parks, Recreation, and Historic Monuments offers surplus federal land to states in need of additional space for recreational or historical purposes. According to federalgrantswire.com, "Only state or local units of government are eligible to apply for surplus real property for public park and recreation and historic purposes, and must agree to manage the property in the public interest and for public use." States must continue to use the land for recreational or historical purposes or else they will lose their rights to the property. Applications should be submitted to the National Park Service, and approval/disapproval time ranges between three and six months. For more information visit www.federalgrantswire.com
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