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What is the Recreation Trails Program? The Recreation Trails Program (RTP) is a matching program that provides
funding for the acquisition and/or development of multi-use recreational trail projects. Both motorized and non-motorized projects may qualify for assistance. The program is administered at the state level through the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and federally through the Federal Highway Administration.
Where are funds derived from?
The RTP is predominantly funded in Vermont with federal RTP funds generated from the federal motor fuel excise tax paid by users of off-road recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road light trucks and off-road motorcycles. These funds are allocated to Vermont out of the States’ share of funds from the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Title 23 U.S.C., Chapter 2, Section 206 dictates use of federal RTP funds. A small portion of state funds from the Vermont Recreation Trails Fund are also made available for community grants ($74,000 by state statute).
RTP rules require federal funds be allocated to trail projects so that 30% of federal funds are distributed for motorized recreational use, 30% are distributed for non-motorized use, and 40% are distributed for multiple-use recreation trails.
Who is Eligible?
Municipalities and non-profit organizations may receive a grant for up to 80% of the total cost of a recreation trail project.
How is funding received?
RTP is a reimbursement program: the project sponsor will not receive a cash grant at the time of project approval. Instead, the sponsor must pay the bills and then submit a request to be reimbursed the agreed upon percentage rate of eligible expenses incurred. Reimbursement is not permitted for work that takes place prior to project approval. Supporting documentation is required.
What is the required match?
At the time of grant application the project sponsor must have at least 20% of the total project cost available. Sponsors indicate on the grant application where the match is coming from. The local share may include cash gifts/contributions, tax revenues, other federal or state funding, foundation grants, fundraising activities, force account labor contributions, donations of materials or equipment from local businesses, or donations of labor. Yes, the value of volunteer labor to complete project work, and any donated equipment and materials that are deemed eligible and necessary expenditures for completing the project are eligible for RTP match.
Grant fund amounts:
The RTP will provide up to 80% reimbursement assistance for eligible projects. Applicants may request grants up to $20,000*. FPR may award additional funds to meet federal and state policy guidelines.
What types of projects may be funded?
Below are some examples of what RTP funds can be used for:
- Construction, reconstruction, and/or re-alignment of multi-use trails and trail linkages;
- Maintenance and restoration of existing trails;
- Construction of small bridges, railings, ramps and retaining structures;
- Bank stabilization, re-vegetation and erosion control;
- Development and/or rehabilitation of trailside amenities and trailhead facilities;
- Operation of educational programs to promote safety, responsible trail use, environmental protection and sustainability related to trail use;
- Assessment of the current condition of existing trails for improving accessibility and future maintenance;
- Acquisition of easement and fee simple title to property for trails;
- Trail signage
How do I apply?
Each fall grant applications become available through FPR and are downloadable from this website.
January 15th is the grant deadline. Each January grant applications are accepted by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and reviewed by a 5-member ranking committee of trail users and professionals from private, state, and federal sectors representing motorized, non-motorized, and multi-use trail user populations. This committee is nominated through the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council (www.vermonttrailsandgreenways.org) and appointed by FPR’s Commissioner to evaluate grant applications and make competitive funding recommendations to FPR.
RTP Grant Writing Workshops:
FPR hosts a grant writing workshop each fall. This workshop is an invaluable way to learn about what projects have been funded in the past, and how to learn the process of submitting a successful grant application. Attendees earn five bonus points on their grant application and are given the opportunity to learn a variety of helpful aspects related to RTP requirements and the grant approval process.
In 2010, FPR will offer two workshop opportunities (below) for those interested in applying for RTP grants:
Saturday, October 24, 2009 4pm – 5pm During the 3rd Annual Trails Symposium on October 24th, a workshop will be held at the Kehoe Conservation Education Center in Castleton, Vermont. To attend the symposium and attend this workshop, visit the Vermont Trails & Greenways Council’s web site at www.vermonttrailsandgreenways.org and RSVP to FPR at 802/241-3690 by October 22.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 3:00 PM – 4:00PM: Vermont Technical College, Randolph Vermont following the Vermont Recreation & Parks Association’s quarterly meeting. Call 802/241-3690 by Tuesday, December 8th if you will be attending this workshop.
RTP at work in Vermont
Since its inception in 1993 Vermont has received over $6,000,000 in federal RTP funds and has funded over 1200 trail projects throughout the state.
Recent Community Projects Funded
2009 VAST Winter Trail Maintenance and Winter Grooming
Irish Hill Trails Reconstruction
Northfield Trails/Paine Mountain Multi Use Trail
Pine Hill Park Trails
St. Albans - Aldis Hill Trails
VYCC Training Center Trails
Long Trail Reconstruction: South of Bamforth Ridge Shelter on Camel’s Hump
Cross Vermont Trail – U-32 School Forest/Winooski River Loop Trail
Local Motion’s Trail Finder and Trail Finder Expansion Project
Moretown Town Forest Trails
Catamount Trails Association Relocation Project in Coolidge State Forest
Chittenden East Creek Trails
Millstone Trails Association Connector Trails
Colchester Pond
Tripp Hill Recreation Management Planning Project
Reading Community Recreational Space Trail
Vermont Trails & Greenways Council Statewide Educational Development
Ellis-Bruce Trail in Calais
Northwoods Stewardship Center’s Connecticut River Canoe Trail Guide
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