Recreational Trails Program

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

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.

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
• 2007 Stewardship Guidelines (PDF 1119KB)
• 8700-191 - Application Form (Fillable Form 385KB)
• 8700-14 - Recreation Grant Project Cost Estimate Worksheet

Contact

Regional Community Services Specialist