Federal funds are available for federal, state and local government agencies, as well as qualified nonprofit organizations with a trail project in mind.
Applications are being accepted for grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 through the North Carolina Trails Program, and for up to $5,000 for funds through the trail program’s safety and education grant, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation officials announced Thursday.
Supporter Spotlight
The Recreational Trails Program applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 5 through the WebGrants application. The spring safety and education grant applications are due by 5 p.m. April 11 through WebGrants as well.
“Recreational Trails Program Grants support all types of greenways and trails for hikers, bikers, paddlers, equestrians and off-road vehicle users,” according to the website.
The grants provides funding for construction of new trails, the maintenance and repair of existing trails, land acquisition, tool purchases, and planning, legal, environmental, and permitting costs. There is a 25% match requirement.
The safety and education grants are a subset of the program and are awarded for safety and education instructor fees, speaker fees, displays, signage, and other trail uses.
The division’s trails program manages the federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.
Supporter Spotlight
The program’s regional trails specialists are available to assist prospective applicants with questions about the grant application process and requirements, and provide a technical review of applications for those submitted by Aug. 1.
