Recreational Trails Program

The Montana Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally supported initiative administered at the state level by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). Originating from the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act of 2021, the program is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Its primary goal is to support the development, maintenance, and improvement of recreational trails and trailside facilities across Montana. The program emphasizes recreational trail use, both motorized and nonmotorized, with funding allocations that comply with the federally mandated 30/30/40 distribution: 30% for motorized, 30% for nonmotorized, and 40% for diverse or shared trail use. Each year, approximately $1 million to $1.5 million is made available for competitive grant funding, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per project. A minimum 20% match is required for all projects, which can consist of cash, in-kind contributions, or a combination. Federal entities must also ensure that at least 5% of the total project cost comes from a non-federal source. The RTP operates as a reimbursement program, meaning that recipients must first incur and document eligible expenses before receiving funds. Projects must have a clear recreational purpose and may include trail construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, educational programs, and equipment purchase, though several restrictions and limitations apply. The application process is conducted via the WebGrants portal and follows a defined annual cycle. For the 2026 cycle, applications open on November 12, 2025, and close on January 16, 2026. Following submission, internal and external reviews occur between February and March 2026. Conditional award notifications are issued in March, followed by a public comment period through April. Final award decisions are released in April 2026, with contracts issued in July and August. The performance period runs through October 15, 2028, and all final reporting and reimbursement requests are due by December 15, 2028. Applications are scored on five criteria: project description, implementation, recreational benefit, sustainability, and budget. Projects must demonstrate readiness, environmental compliance, secured land access, and appropriate match funding. A strong maintenance and environmental review plan is essential, particularly for construction projects. Special requirements apply for projects located on public lands or within federal-aid highway corridors, and prevailing wage requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act apply to non-volunteer labor. Eligible applicants include public agencies at all levels, school districts, nonprofit organizations, and private corporations. Each organization may submit only one application per cycle. Additionally, applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) by the time of award. Contact for the program is Stephanie Clemen (stephanie.adamsclemen@mt.gov, 406-444-5898), and applicants are encouraged to review the full guidelines for detailed eligibility, funding uses, and application instructions.

Ensure environmental documentation is complete and current; clearly justify match and trail type; confirm land access and maintenance plans are secured; use detailed budget justifications; only one proposal allowed per applicant.