Virginia Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants

The Virginia Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VDCR), provide essential funding for the development and rehabilitation of trails and related facilities. This federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program supports various trail categories, ensuring access for both motorized and non-motorized users. Since its inception, the program has significantly contributed to the enhancement of local parks across Virginia, fostering community engagement and outdoor recreation.

The Local Connection
DCR helps local parks and recreation departments (PDF) through funding, expertise and training. Through this partnership, more than 50,000 acres have been purchased for parks and recreation in more than 400 parks around the state. Since 1967, the department has provided more than $72 million in state funds and channeled more than $61 million in federal funds to local parks. More than $300 million in local matching funds has been generated for local parks.
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federal 80-20 matching reimbursement program for building and rehabilitating trails and trail related facilities.  Federal Highway Administration and Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act funds make the program possible and mandate allocations to non-motorized, diversified and motorized trail categories.
Funding may be awarded to city, county, town or other government entities. Registered nonprofit groups partnered with a government body also are eligible. The Recreational Trails Program and Virginia Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee steer project selections after a competitive call for applications