Recreational Trails Funding Program
What
is the Recreational Trails Program?
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity
Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA-LU), the successor to the Intermodal
Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), transfers a percentage
of gasoline taxes paid on non-highway recreational use in off-highway
vehicles from the Highway Trust Fund into the Recreational Trails
Program for trail development, improvement and maintenance.
The State of Maine has agreed to take part in the Recreational
Trails Program (RTP) under the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA), the federal agency that administers the program at
the national level.
The Division of
Parks and Public Lands has been designated the state agency to administer the program
in Maine. Within the Division, the Grants and Community
Recreation Program provides day-to-day supervision of RTP matters.
2014: The 2014 RTP application, 2014 Recreational Trails Program grant application form , is available for all sponsors interested in funding for trail projects in 2014. Deadline for this form is November 23, 2013.
For any questions, please contact Mick Rogers, Supervisor of Outdoor Recreation, at mick.rogers@maine.gov
Recreational Trails Program Financial Policies
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30% of RTP funds allocated to the state shall be reserved
for uses related to motorized trail recreation.
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30% of RTP funds allocated to the state shall be reserved
for uses related to non-motorized trail recreation.
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The remaining funds shall be used for recreational projects
that facilitate diverse trail use.
Project Eligibility
Eligible projects may include:
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Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational
trails.
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Development and rehabilitation of trail side and trailhead
facilities and trail linkages for recreational trails.
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Construction of new recreational trails.
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Acquisition of easements or fee simple title to property
for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors.
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Operation of educational programs to promote safety and
environmental protection as those objectives relate to
use of recreational trails.
Who Is Eligible for RTP Grants?
The state has determined it will provide funds received under
this program as grants-in-aid to municipalities, other qualified
sub-divisions of state government and to qualified non-profit
organizations under guidelines established by the Division of
Parks and Public Lands in conjunction with the Maine Trails Advisory
Committee.
How Are Grants Awarded?
Potential applicants may view the Grant
Manual online, or contact the Grants and Community Recreation
Program, Division of Parks and Public Lands, to receive an informational
packet and application.
Applications must be received by the announced deadline and
contain all required material to be eligible for possible
funding.
Applications will be evaluated by Division staff and the
Trails Advisory Committee to determine their degrees of compliance
with the established state goals for the program. All applicants
will be notified in writing of project approval or disapproval.
Local Funding Share
Recreational Trails Program grants are made on a matching
basis. The federal share of the project costs shall not be
more than 80% (maximum grant amounts may be set by the state).
The local share may consist of cash or state-approved donations
of labor and/or materials.
Public Use and Access
Applications for RTP funding must stipulate full support of
the program and must ensure public access to the recreation
improvements funded by the grant.
Maine Goals for the Recreational Trails Program
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Trails that provide linkages with existing or planned
networks.
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Trails that serve a wide spectrum of users.
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Proposals that address landowners concerns.
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Trails that provide relatively high use levels.
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Proposals that provide "close-to-home" trails.
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Proposals that enhance tourism and economic development.
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Proposals that facilitate trail use for youngsters, seniors,
and persons with disabilities.
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Projects that are well planned.
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Trails that are destination oriented.
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Trails that further SCORP or other established planning
goals.
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Multiple use trail projects that address conflicts between
user groups.
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Proposals that have adequate matching resources.
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Proposals that consider operation and maintenance needs.
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Projects that leverage other private and public funding
sources.
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Projects that rehabilitate existing, well-used trails.
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Projects that preserve rights-of-way for public recreation
purposes.
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Trails that provide high levels of user safety.
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Trails that provide aesthetic or cultural benefits to
users.
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Projects that provide for reasonable longevity.
For more information on programs offered by
The Department of Transportation
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