Grant Name: Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
Funding Organization: Federal program administered in most states
Contact Information: Bobbi Winebar, Department of Natural Resources, 2984 Shawano Ave, Green Bay, WI 54313, (920) 461-2595
Program Intent: The RTP provides reimbursement for the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail uses.
Award Details: Eligible sponsors may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible project costs. Funds from this program may be used in conjunction with funds from other state grant programs that also fund trail projects.
Eligibility: Towns, villages, cities, counties, tribal governing bodies, school districts, state agencies, federal agencies or incorporated organizations are eligible to apply. Incorporated organizations must be incorporated under s. 181, Wis. Stats., and have a primary purpose of promoting outdoor recreation trails activities.
Eligible Projects (in order of priority):
1. Maintenance and restoration of existing trails
2. Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages
3. Construction of new trails (with certain restrictions on federal lands)
4. Acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors (must comply with the provisions of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970)
Deadline: Applications are typically due on May 1 each year.
Additional Information: The RTP legislation prohibits using funds for condemnation of any kind of interest in property. Non-motorized projects constitute 30% of funding category definitions while motorized projects constitute another 30%. Diversified projects that include both motorized and nonmotorized uses make up the remaining 40%.