Gov. Steve Beshear, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) and the Recreational Trails Advisory Board, has announced the approval of 25 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants for a total allocation of $1,231,844.
“I am pleased to approve these grants for projects which will continue to promote an active, outdoor lifestyle for families and individuals across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “The Recreational Trails Program is essential for maintaining and expanding our state’s existing network of trails that cater to such a variety of interests and ages.”
The RTP is an assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Kentucky’s RTP is administered by GOLD and requires that applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive a 50% reimbursement on approved projects. Those eligible to apply are city and county governments, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.
RTP grants may 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. Examples of trail uses include hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, off-road motorcycling and all-terrain vehicle riding.
For a list a the projects receiving grants, visit the Commonwealth of Kentucky's website.
The Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century (TEA21) established the Recreation Trails Program (RTP), which provides for the transfer of federal gas taxes paid on non-highway recreational fuel in off-highway vehicles to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) administers the RTP funds at the state level, while the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) provides program oversight at the federal level. RTP funding is currently made available through the federal program titled, "Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users". The acronym for this program is SAFETEA-LU.
ReplyDeleteRTP applicants (sponsors) can include federal, state, county or municipal agencies, private associations and clubs (not individuals). This grants program is a matching program, whereby RTP grants may not exceed 80% of the total of an individual project.
ReplyDeleteThis is a reimbursement program. After approval of all required documentation, FWP will reimburse the sponsor for 80% of the actual documented costs incurred. Reimbursement of RTP funds will only be approved for project expenditures incurred after the date of the signed project agreement between the project sponsor and FWP. The goal of Montana's RTP is to distribute money to the best trail projects statewide based on the applications that are complete and of high quality. FWP accepts grant applications on an annual basis; July 1st is the application deadline. Only one application is allowed per sponsor each year, however a sponsor may apply in succeeding years regardless of them receiving any funding in the previous year.
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