Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
What is the Recreational Trail Program?
The Recreational Trails Program is a matching assistance 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 North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department, and federally through the Federal Highway Administration.
Where are funds from?
The RTP funding represents a portion of the revenue received by the Federal Highway Trust Fund 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. These monies are made available from North Dakota’s share of funds from the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
Who is Eligible?
Political subdivisions and registered non-profit organizations may receive a grant for up to 80 percent of the total costs of a recreational trail project.
How is funding received?
The project sponsor will not receive a cash grant at the time of project approval. Instead, the sponsor must pay the bills and then be reimbursed for a maximum of 80% of the expenses incurred. Reimbursement is not permitted for work that takes place prior to project approval.
What are local sources of funding?
At the time of application the project sponsor must have at least 20% of the total project cost available. The local share may include tax sources, bond issues or force account contributions. The donated value of land, cash, labor, equipment and materials may also be used.
Grant funding amounts.
The RTP will provide 80% matching reimbursement assistance for eligible projects. Applicants may request grant amounts ranging from a minimum of $20,000 up to a maximum of $150,000.
What types of projects may be funded?
Below are some examples of what RTP funds can be used for:
- Development and rehabilitation of trailside, trailhead facilities, and trail linkages
- Construction of multi-use trails
- Acquisition of easement or property for trails
- Trail Signage
How do I apply?
Each spring grant applications are accepted and reviewed by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department and the Recreation Trails Program Advisory Committee, which consists of trail users who evaluate and rank project applications for funding. Meeting minutes for 2009 allocation of funds.
RTP at work in North Dakota
Since its inception in 1993 North Dakota has received $8,800,000 in RTP funds and has funded over 180 projects throughout the state.
Recent Projects Funded
2009
- Snowmobile North Dakota: Trail Program Updates
- NDPRD: Little Missouri Trail Re-Routes
- NDPRD: Tetrault Woods Hiking Trail
- USDA- Forest Service: Maah Daah Hey II ‘09
- Morton County: Harmon Lake Recreation Trail
- North County Trail: Trail Construction
- Bismarck Park District: Cottonwood Connection
- Morton County: New Salem Shared Use Path
- Hankinson American Legion: Trail Construction
2008
- Snowmobile North Dakota: Trail Groomers and Signs
- USDA Forest Service: Maah Daah Hey Trail Construction Phase 2
- Fort Ransom State Park: Multi-Use Trail
- Bismarck Park District: Burleigh Avenue Loop Connection
- Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation: Fort Mandan History and Nature Trail
- Devils Lake Park District: Ruger Park Walking Path Extension
- Healthy Communities Coalition: North Oaks Multi-Use Path
- Beaver Lake State Park: Nature Trail
- Healthy Communities Coalition: Lisbon Riverwalk
- Wahpeton Park District: Airport Park Trail
- American Legion Post 88: Hankinson Multi-Use Path
2007
- Snowmobile North Dakota: Trail Groomer Update
- USDA Forest Service: Maah Daah Hey II Trail Construction
- Little Missouri State Park: Trail Re-Route
- Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park: Trailhead Improvements
- Bismarck Park District: Burleigh Avenue Trail- Washington to 12th Street
- City of Walhalla- Pembina River Trail
- Sully Creek State Park: Trailhead Improvements
- Casselton Forestry Department- Tinta Tawa Park Trail
- Rolette County- Wakopa Trail Phase I Enhancements
- Mandan Park District- Mandan Shared Use Path Kiosks
2006
- Snowmobile North Dakota: Trail Groomers
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department: Roughrider OHV Trail Bridges
- Barnes County: Ladies Line Trail Segment Acquisition
- USDA Forest Service: Maah Daah Hey Trail Cottonwood Development
- City of Zap: Zap Railroad Trail
- Lincoln Park District: Lincoln Park Trail Amenities
- Turtle Mountain Community College: Anishinabe Trail
- Little Missouri State Park: Trail Re-Routes
- Bismarck Park District: Trail Signing
- Mayville Park District: Island Park Bridge
- Cross Ranch State Park: Trailhead Signage
- Riverdale Park Board: Riverdale Memorial Trail
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department: Maah Daah Hey 2 Trail Leases
- North Dakota Forest Service: Twisted Oaks Equestrian Trailhead Development
2005
- Sully Creek State Park: Equestrian Trailhead Amenities
- Little Missouri State Park: Trail Leases
- USDA Forest Service: Maah Daah Hey Trail Development
- City of Devils Lake: Devils Lake South Side Park Trail
- Richland School District: Abercrombie NRLC Trail
- City of Harvey: Harvey Nature Within Us Trail
- North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department: Roughrider OHV Trail Development Phase 2
- Lincoln Park District: Lincoln Park Trail
- Casselton Park District: Casselton Park Trail
- Dickinson Public Schools: Dickinson Lincoln School Trail
- Snowmobile North Dakota: Trail Groomers
- Grand Forks Park District: Ryan Park Trail
- City of Grand Forks: Lincoln Dr Trail
A national data base listing RTP funded trails can be found at http://www.funoutdoors.info/rtphome.html
Program Manual & Forms
Links to the 2009 project sponsor manual and associated forms can be found to the left.
