Funding for Trail Projects

The following is a public service announcement.

Dear Trail Users:

Each year Maryland is apportioned National Recreational Trails Program funds through the Federal Surface Transportation Equity Act for disbursement to qualifying projects. These funds, administered by the Maryland State Highway Administration, have made it possible for communities across the State to develop, improve and maintain trails in order to provide access to Maryland’s awesome natural and recreational resources.

We are always looking for eligible projects, and invite you to consider applying for National Recreational Trails Program funds for your recreational trail projects. To learn more about eligible project types and program criteria, as well as accessing a digital application, visit the following website: http://roads.maryland.gov/Index.aspx?PageId=98 Also, please be advised that this is an 80/20 percent reimbursement program, and not a grant program. Awarded funds will be used to reimburse sponsors for 80 percent of the expenditures incurred; invoicing is done on a monthly basis once construction or purchase of materials/equipment is started. The funds are limited and therefore awarded to the most qualified projects in an amount cannot exceed $40,000 for trail construction and $30,000 for non-construction.

Eligible projects include:

·         Maintenance and restoration of existing trails;

·         Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages for recreation and transportation oriented trails

·         Purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment;

·         Construction of new recreational trials;

·         Acquisition of easement and fee simple title to property for recreational trail purposes;

·         Implementation of interpretive/educational programs to promote intrinsic qualities, alternative transportation, safety, and environmental protection, as those objectives relate to the use of recreational trails.

Applications for this year’s funds are being accepted until July 1, 2011 . Please submit to:

Recreational Trails Program

Office of Environmental Design

State Highway Administration

707 North Calvert Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

Awards will be made subject to Maryland’s receipt of its fiscal year 2012 Federal Fund allocation for the program. Thank you for your interest in the National Recreational Trails Program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please visit the following websites as a reference for critical information related to trail development in MD as you complete your FY12 RTP application:

http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/Planning/Trails/Index.html

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/land/MD_Trails/Trails_in_MD.asp

http://mesgis.com/mdtrails/index.html

Thanks again,

Terry Maxwell

Maryland Scenic Byways/Recreational Trails

Office of Environmental Design

State Highway Administration

707 N Calvert Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

410-545-8637 (p)

410-209-5003 (f)

tmaxwell@sha.state.md.us

www.marylandroads.com