Local Trail Connections Program Grant

Local Trail Connections Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Amount: US $5,000 - US $250,000
Last Updated: February 17, 2026

Summary

The Local Trail Connections Program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance short trail connections between residential areas and key public resources. Grants of $5,000 to $250,000 are available, covering up to 75% of project costs. Eligible projects include trail development and acquisition, with a focus on public accessibility. Funding prioritizes significant connectivity and quality of trails, with a total budget of approximately $1.1 million from lottery proceeds.

Overview

Local Trail Connections Program Program purpose: To provide grants to local units of government to promote relatively short trail connections between where people live and desirable locations, not to develop significant new trails. Funding for this grant program is from "In Lieu Of" lottery proceeds. This program is established in Minnesota Statutes 85.019. Eligible projects: Eligible projects include acquisition and development of trail facilities. Projects must result in a trail linkage that is immediately available for use by the general public. Trail linkages include connecting where people live (e.g. residential areas within cities, entire communities) and significant public resources (e.g. historical areas, open space, parks and/or other trails). Acquisition of trail right-of-way is eligible only when proposed in conjunction with trail development. Acquisition projects require a perpetual easement for recreational purposes. Development projects require a 20 year maintenance commitment by the project sponsor. Projects inside state park boundaries, state recreation areas, on state trail corridors and elements of the Regional Open Space System in the Twin Cities Metro System are not eligible. Level of assistance: Grants are reimbursement based up to 75 percent of the total eligible project costs, and recipients must provide a non-state cash match of at least 25 percent. Other state funds or grants, such as Parks and Trails Legacy Grants, or Metropolitan Council Grants cannot match these grants. Project costs must be incurred and paid before reimbursement can be made. Project costs become eligible for reimbursement once a contract agreement is established between the DNR and the grantee. The minimum grant request is $5,000, and the maximum grant award is $250,000. Grant funding available: Funding available is a portion of approximately $1.1 million from “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds to be divided between three Park and Trail grant programs. Additional state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars have been recommended by the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) (link is external) and other state funding may be available but are subject to Legislative approval.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligible applicants:Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and townships.

Ineligibility

Non-eligible projects include but are not limited to the following:Projects within state park boundaries, state recreational areas, on state trails, and elements of the Metropolitan Open Space System.Construction of trails within federally designated wilderness areas (with some exceptions).Construction of ordinary sidewalks.Planning projects that are preliminary to construction of any trail projects.Improvements on highways or other roadways, including but not limited to, lighting, striping, on-street routing, and shoulder work.All paved multi-use bicycle/pedestrian trails less than 10 feet in width; Short distance exceptions may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.Non-eligible Reimbursement CostsIncluding all costs not defined as eligible costs, but not limited to the following:Any expenditure that occurs before the effective date of this agreementFund raisingTaxes, except sales tax on goods and servicesInsurance, except title insuranceAttorney feesLoans, grants, or subsidies to persons or entities for developmentBad debts, late payment fees, finance charges or contingency fundsInterest, investment management feesLobbyistsPolitical contributionsWages and expenses of Sub grantee’s employeesFringe benefit costs of Sub grantee’s employeesLand appraisalsEntertainment, gifts and prizes, food, and refreshmentsPurchase of phones, computers, tablets, or audiovisual equipmentMemberships (including subscriptions and dues), publications, periodicals, and other subscription feesAgency advertising and marketing expensesOffice Rental Fees, and Overhead and Indirect Expenses (including, but not limited to office or storage space rental, utility expenses, copier rental, phone bills, office materials and supplies)