Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department (NDPRD) Recreational Trails Program (RTP) received 20 applications totaling $3.5 million in project fund grant requests.
The RTP has allocated approximately $1 million to award through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This round’s funding priority was to create new trails that link to existing trails, forging connections to the “last mile” - that pivotal final tie to connect people and places. Applicants were encouraged to demonstrate that last mile connection in their application narrative. In addition to funding two NDPRD trail improvement projects, the following projects were selected for funding:
- Dickinson Parks and Recreation – Crooked Crane Trail
Awarded $158,010
This project will incorporate two additional loops to the Crooked Crane Trail for another 1.3 miles, extending the total trail to 2.38 miles between the Nyoda and Stranski trailheads. By leveraging the sideslope for drainage, installing culverts, and ensuring a consistent stable surface, the trail will offer improved accessibility and durability. Furthermore, the addition of distance markers and wildlife interpretive signage will enhance the overall trail experience.
- Fargo Parks District – Lions Conservancy Park Trailhead Facility
Awarded $242,000
This project will construct a new trailhead facility which includes an open-air shelter, concrete parking lot, lighting, a trailhead map. It will also add two miles of new crushed gravel trail to connect Lions Conservancy Park to Iwen Park in Fargo to create a cohesive park greenway that will allow park users to expand their recreational opportunities.
- Grafton Parks and Recreation - Leistikow Park Community Trail Bridge
Awarded $173,000
This project involves removal and replacement of a 36 ft. trail bridge located within the Leistikow Park Trails. This bridge, which is actually a 36 ft. flatbed trailer, was placed over the coulee by a local archery club in the mid 1980s. The flatbed trailer bridge was not installed on abutments. The project is to replace the existing bridge with a 40 ft. X 10 ft. timber frame recreation bridge with railings installed on timber crib abutments rated for five tons.
- Stutsman County Park Board – James Valley Water Trail
Awarded $240,000
This project will establish five destination kayak launch sites at key recreation points along the Jamestown Reservoir.
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is an 80/20 matching grant program that provides funding for both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. Examples of eligible projects include construction of new recreation trails, restoration of existing trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment, land acquisition/easements, trail accessibility assessment.
For further grant information, please visit https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/business/grants.
The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places.