The Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) is administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) under the guidance of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. This program was established under Act 13 of 2012, known as the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which allocates funds for the planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open spaces, parks, and beautification projects throughout Pennsylvania. The goal of the program is to enhance the state's environmental and recreational assets, thereby improving community livability and promoting conservation.
The program offers funding to a broad range of applicants, including municipalities, councils of governments, authorized organizations such as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, institutions of higher education, recognized watershed organizations, and for-profit businesses (excluding natural gas producers as defined in Act 13). Projects eligible for funding include the development and rehabilitation of public parks and recreation areas, the creation and renovation of greenways and trails, and the enhancement of rivers, streams, and watersheds for recreational use. Additionally, eligible uses of funds cover construction activities, equipment purchases, land preparation, environmental assessments, engineering and design services, land acquisition, and certain administrative expenses.
To apply, eligible entities must submit an online application through the DCED Single Application for Assistance portal at grants.pa.gov. The application window opens annually on February 1 and closes on May 31. Required supplemental materials include a detailed project description, cost estimates, matching funds documentation, maps, permit lists, planning compliance letters, governing body resolutions for public sector applicants, acquisition documentation if applicable, and consent letters for land acquisitions by authorized organizations. An application fee of $100, payable electronically, is required.
Applications are evaluated by the Commonwealth Financing Authority based on cost, strategic importance, and projected impact. Selected applicants will receive a grant agreement and commitment letter electronically, and they must return the signed agreement within 45 days. Projects require a minimum 15% local cash match, and matching using real estate value requires an appraisal not older than one year. All necessary permits must be secured prior to fund disbursement, and recipients must adhere to conflict-of-interest disclosures, non-discrimination policies, and record-keeping requirements. Construction may be subject to prevailing wage laws, and funds will only be reimbursed for eligible expenses incurred within the grant agreement timeframe.
For inquiries, applicants can contact the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Office of Business Finance and Workforce Development, CFA Programs Division. The office is located at Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225. They can be reached by phone at (717) 787-6245, fax at (717) 772-3581, or via email at ra-dcedsitedvpt@pa.gov. Full guidelines are also available at dced.pa.gov.
