GA Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant

The GA Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funding for projects enhancing recreational trail access in Georgia. It supports both motorized and nonmotorized trail developments, including construction, restoration, and equipment leasing. Eligible applicants include local governments, state agencies, and nonprofits focused on trail safety education. RTP aims to promote outdoor activities while ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Projects must be distinct and confined to Georgia's borders, ensuring that local communities benefit from enhanced recreational opportunities.

Program Overview
RTP grants are intended to fund recreational trail-related projects for both motorized and nonmotorized uses. Project uses include pedestrian (hiking, running and wheelchair access), biking, mountain biking, water trail use, equestrian use, off- road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving or using other off-road motorized vehicles.
The intent of RTP is to enhance trail opportunities by achieving results that would not otherwise be possible. RTP grants are for projects that are primarily recreational in nature, rather than serving a more utilitarian transportation function. RTP grants typically fund on-the-ground projects, while limited funds are available for trail-related education.
An RTP project must be a distinct project with a distinct purpose. All project elements, including the project match, must be tied to the distinct purpose.
Types of Projects
Construction of new recreational trailsThis category includes construction of entirely new trails, expansion of trails and new linkages between existing trails.This category may include construction of new trail bridges or providing appropriate way-finding signage along a trail.For projects on Federal land, the most important requirement is that the Federal agency land manager approves of the project in accordance with other applicable Federal laws and regulations.Restoration of existing trailsThis may be interpreted broadly to include any kind of non-deferred trail maintenance, restoration, rehabilitation, or relocation.This category may include maintenance and restoration of trail bridges or providing appropriate way-finding signage along a trail.Lease of trail construction and maintenance equipmentOn the ground equipment for completing trail work.Equipment cannot be used for other activities such as patrol or law enforcement.Vehicles used for transportation, such as trucks, ATVs, side-by-sides and snowmobiles are not eligible.Development & rehabilitation of trailhead facilities & trail linkages for recreation trailsThis can include parking/staging areas for trails including items like restrooms and trail information kiosks (interpretive signage not allowed).Acquisition of easements and property for recreational trails or corridorsRTP legislation prohibits condemnation of any kind of interest in property. Therefore, acquisition of any kind of interest in property must be from a willing landowner.Water TrailsThe definition of “recreational trail” in the RTP legislation includes non-motorized “aquatic or water activities.” Examples of water trail projects include staging areas or trailhead facilities near access points.
Education Grants
RTP allocates limited funds for education that promotes trail safety and environmental protection. Education projects must have a direct relationship with a recreational trail or trails. Projects can include education programs and/or production of trail-related educational materials (whether for information displays, print, video, audio, interactive computer displays, etc.). Education grants are applied for separately from other trail projects and potential applicants should consult with the Grants Specialist before submitting applying

Eligibility

Eligible Project Applicants include:Qualified Local GovernmentsState agenciesFederal agencies Nonprofit organizationsIRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt status requiredOnly eligible for education grants that promote recreational trail safety and environmental protection.All prospective projects and acquisitions must completely reside with Georgia’s borders.

Ineligibility

Applications for projects in which any part of it resides in a state other than Georgia, either in part or in whole, will not be considered for funding.