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Governor's Office for Local Development

Recreational Trails Program

Photo submitted by the Pennyrile Area Development District

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  It can be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements, development and/or maintenance of recreational trails and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. The Recreational Trails Program benefits communities and enhances quality of life. 

It does not fund equipment such as mowers, gators or trucks.  All trails that have received FHWA funding must remain open to the public and maintained for perpetuity.

Who Can Apply: Eligible applicants are city and county governments, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Application Process: The FY 2009 application will be available soon. 

You must also submit to the State Clearinghouse for the Intergovernmental Review Process or request an update on previous comments to be eligible for funding.

The minimum grant request is $5,000.00;  the maximum grant request is $100,000.

This is a matching reimbursement grant program.

For more information, contact Jodie McDonald.

Additional Requirements

Do you know what types of Endangered Species are in your county?

For additional information about endangered species, ecology survey requirements, please contact U.S. Fish & Wildlife or call the Kentucky Field Office at 502-695-0468. 

 

Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine if your project will require permits.  Avoid impacts to wetlands; permits will be required if impacted.

 

Contact the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) to determine if an archaeology survey will be necessary prior to the construction of the proposed project. 

 

All trail projects funded by FHWA require an ecology survey or a clearance letter from USFW prior to the construction of the proposed project.  Please submit all required surveys and/or clearance letters to Jodie McDonald. 

 

See Also...
  Federal Recreational Trails Program
Additional information from the Federal Highway Administration web site.

ADA Guidelines
ADA Guidelines for trails and facilities.

Kentucky Rail Trail Council
Kentucky Rail Trail Council Web Site

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Department of Governmental Relations web site for additional grant programs.

National Trails Training Partnership
Comprehensive calendar showing available training opportunities.

Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO)
List of all states' Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO)

Kentucky Recreational & Park Society (KRPS)
Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show November 11-15, 2008.

Rail Trail Corridor Study & Inventory
Rail Trail Corridor Study, Assessment, and Inventory
 

Pre-Qualified Fee Appraiser List
 
Acquisition of land may be accomplished through purchase, transfer, gift, or other means.  All acquisitions must conform to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.  Please see Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Pre-Qualifed Fee Appraisers for an appraiser in your area. 
 

Last Updated 4/28/2008
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