Recreational Trails Program

The Recreational Trails Program is a statewide grant initiative that supports the development and maintenance of public recreational trails and related facilities across Alaska. Administered by the Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, the program distributes federal funds from the Federal Highway Administration to local, tribal, nonprofit, and governmental entities for trail improvement, safety education, and accessibility projects. Trails in Alaska are vital components of the state’s transportation and community infrastructure, linking residents in remote areas to essential services, supporting tourism and outdoor recreation, and providing safe routes for subsistence activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering. The program ensures that trail systems remain safe, sustainable, and accessible year-round for both motorized and non‑motorized users. In accordance with Administrative Order 361, the program has been transitioned from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to align trail development with Alaska’s broader transportation planning framework. While the funding administration remains within the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, the transition enhances coordination among agencies and strengthens the integration of trail projects within long-term transportation strategies. This structural shift recognizes trails as key components of Alaska’s overall mobility network, emphasizing their role in connecting communities, improving emergency access, and promoting economic resilience through recreation and tourism. The program is designed as a competitive, reimbursable grant that covers up to ninety percent of eligible project costs. Successful applicants are required to provide a minimum ten percent match. Eligible activities include construction or rehabilitation of trails and trailheads, installation of safety and interpretive signage, purchase of maintenance equipment, and delivery of educational programs that promote responsible trail use and environmental stewardship. Awards are issued on a reimbursement basis, meaning project expenses must be incurred and documented prior to payment. The program does not fund projects located outside Alaska or those that serve private, restricted, or commercial purposes. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, tribal and native corporations, educational institutions, and federal, state, or local government entities. Applications are evaluated on several criteria, including demonstrated community need, alignment with statewide recreation and transportation goals, project readiness, environmental compliance, and public benefit. The Division encourages collaboration among community groups, user associations, and local agencies to ensure proposed projects reflect local priorities and support long‑term maintenance commitments. Applicants must also meet public notice requirements, ensuring that proposed projects are transparent and open for public comment prior to submission. For the current funding cycle, public notices for proposed projects must be posted by September 30, 2025, and submitted to the Division by that date. Full applications are due by October 31, 2025, through the state’s grant submission portal or by email to the program office. Because the program follows an annual funding schedule, the next anticipated round is expected to open in October 2026. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparation well in advance of the opening period, as competition is strong and technical documentation—such as maps, cost estimates, and environmental assessments—is often required. The Division typically announces awards several months after the application period closes, and funded projects generally span one to three years depending on scope. To promote inclusivity and informed participation, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has formed the Alaska Recreational Trails Advisory Committee, which provides guidance on program priorities, ensures representation across diverse user groups, and advises on policy improvements. This advisory committee includes members representing snowmachine riders, subsistence users, freight haulers, and trail advocates, ensuring that project funding decisions are equitable and responsive to community needs. Interested individuals may sign up for updates or express interest in committee service by contacting the program office directly. The Recreational Trails Program remains a cornerstone of Alaska’s commitment to safe, sustainable, and accessible outdoor infrastructure. It not only enhances recreation and tourism but also strengthens the social and economic connections that underpin rural and urban life in the state. Through its blend of federal investment and local participation, the program continues to improve trail systems that serve both practical transportation functions and cultural traditions, ensuring that Alaska’s vast landscapes remain connected and accessible for generations to come. Applicants seeking further information or wishing to confirm eligibility and documentation requirements can visit the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation’s official website or contact the program staff by email at Parks.RTPGrantApp@alaska.gov.

Emphasize community relevance and alignment with subsistence/recreational/transport needs. Follow public notice deadline and demonstrate readiness for match.