Recreational Trails Program Educational Funding

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP), administered in New York State by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), is a federally funded grant initiative designed to develop and maintain recreational trails and related facilities. Funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the RTP supports trail projects that serve a range of users, including non-motorized, motorized, and diverse recreational purposes. The legislation mandates that 30% of RTP funds be directed to non-motorized trail use, 30% to motorized trail use, and 40% to projects supporting diverse uses. The program emphasizes trail-based recreation over transportation and excludes activities like sidewalk construction or feasibility studies. Eligible applicants include municipalities, state and federal agencies, public benefit corporations, public authorities, Tribal Nations, and not-for-profit corporations. Application cycles alternate annually between applicant types: municipalities and nonprofits apply in odd-numbered years via the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), while state/federal agencies and public entities apply in even-numbered years directly through the OPRHP. Applicants must also be registered in the State Financial System and meet any applicable prequalification standards. Comprehensive documentation is required at submission, including environmental compliance (SEQRA), conceptual plans, maps, and proof of land ownership or access. RTP funding is structured as a reimbursement grant, with up to 80% of eligible project costs covered, requiring a minimum 20% match from the applicant. Matching contributions can include cash, donated labor or materials, volunteer time, or services, but must be adequately documented and conform to federal cost principles. The minimum federal request is typically $25,000 ($31,250 total project cost) for construction-type projects and $5,000 ($6,250 total) for equipment-only projects. The maximum federal funding allowed per project is $300,000. Approximately $2 million is available annually, with 10–20 projects expected to be funded per cycle. Applicants must proceed through multiple federally authorized project phases including preliminary design, final design, right-of-way (ROW), and construction. Each phase requires specific approvals and documentation, and no reimbursement is available for costs incurred before authorization. All projects must comply with NEPA, SEQRA, Section 106 of the NHPA, the Endangered Species Act, and various federal executive orders related to wetlands, floodplains, and coastal zones. Projects must also adhere to ADA standards and may require permits from relevant environmental or regulatory agencies. Successful projects are subject to post-award requirements including public access obligations (ranging from 10 to 25 years based on grant size), progress reports, inspections, and record retention. Equipment-only projects have a defined useful life (10–25 years based on cost) and require regular inventory reporting. Construction must be competitively bid, include federal contract clauses, and meet labor compliance requirements such as DBE and EEO goals. The project performance period is five years, with extensions considered only under specific circumstances. The review and selection process is competitive, guided by criteria established in the RTP Scoring Appendix. Incomplete applications may be rejected, and award notifications follow FHWA approval. Final reimbursements require submission of detailed close-out documentation, including final maps, photographs, and proof of project completion. All applicants are encouraged to contact their OPRHP Regional Grants Administrator for technical assistance. Program materials and application portals are accessible via the OPRHP website.

Ensure full federal authorization before incurring costs; non-compliance may lead to loss of funding.