The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). It can be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements, development and/or maintenance of recreational trails and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. The Recreational Trails Program benefits communities and enhances quality of life.
All trails that have received FHWA funding must remain open to the public and maintained for perpetuity.
Who Can Apply: Eligible applicants are city and county governments, state and federal agencies. Non-profit organizations must partner with a governmental entity.
Application Process: The 2023 RTP Application is now available to download. To apply, submit an application between January 15 – May 31, 2024.
You must also submit to the
State Clearinghouse for the Intergovernmental Review Process or request an update on previous comments to be eligible for funding, as well as to SHPO and US Fish and Wildlife.
The minimum grant request is $25,000.00; the maximum grant request is $250,000.00.
This is a Federally funded, matching reimbursement grant program.
For more information, contact Department of Federal Grants.
Additional Requirements: To assist Local Public Agencies (LPAs) with executing eligible transportation projects in accordance with federal transportation laws and regulations, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Kentucky Division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have jointly developed the LPA Guide - UPDATED 01/08/2021.
Do you know what types of Endangered Species are in your county? For additional information about endangered species, ecology survey requirements, please contact U.S. Fish & Wildlife or call the Kentucky Field Office at 502-695-0468.
Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine if your project will require permits. Avoid impacts to wetlands; permits will be required if impacted.
Contact the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) to determine if an archaeology survey will be necessary prior to the construction of the proposed project. The Section 106 Review Process must also be completed if selected for funding.
All trail projects funded by FHWA require an ecology survey or a clearance letter from USFW prior to the construction of the proposed project. Please submit all required surveys and/or clearance letters toOffice of Federal Grants.
Most projects will require engineering, will require plans and specs to be approved by KYTC and to complete the KYTC LPA Checklist. Other requirements include a Public Interest Finding (PIF) when utilizing force account or in-kind labor, Construction Inspection Plan, Erosion Sediment Measures, and Engineer Estimate. If Stock Pile Materials are used, there must be verification that it conforms to KYTC standards.
Land Appraisals
Acquisition of land may be accomplished through purchase, transfer, gift, or other means. All acquisitions must conform to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Please see KYTC Pre-qualified Appraiser List for an appraiser in your area.
All Land Appraisals must adhere to the Appraisal Requirements for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
View
Kentucky Appraisal Requirements here.
RTP Advisory Committee Meeting
The next Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Advisory Board Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday, September 14, 2023. During this meeting, board members will review 2023 RTP applications and make funding recommendations. The meeting is open to the public.
WHAT: Recreational Trails Program Advisory Board Meeting
WHEN: 10:00 a.m. EDT on September 14. 2023
WHERE: Department for Local Government, 100 Airport Road, Frankfort, KY 40601
For more information, contact the Office of Federal Grants.