What is Recreational Trail Grant funding and how can a project receive this funding?

The Texas Parks and Recreation Department gives more than $3 million per year in grants to build trails of all kinds. Erick Hetzel and Chris Sheffield, both on the Recreational Trails Grants staff, have many years of experience that includes grant application scoring, project design, construction, and maintenance considerations.

This session will provide an insider’s view. What kind of project qualifies for funding? Who can apply? What makes a compelling application? If you know of a community that needs funding for natural surface trails, water trails, equestrian trails, or motorized trails, this session is for you.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the Structure and Funding Sources of the Recreational Trail Program (RTP): Participants will learn the origins of RTP funding, including its basis in federal highway funds from a 1991 highway bill, the user-pay/user-benefit principle, and the allocation of funds (30% for off-highway vehicle use, 30% for non-motorized use, and 40% for mixed use), as well as the recent addition of $1 million from Texas sporting goods sales tax.
• Identify Eligible Entities and Project Types for RTP Grants: Attendees will gain knowledge of eligible applicants (e.g., counties, cities, municipal utility districts, nonprofits, and state agencies) and project types (e.g., new trail construction, renovations, trailheads, and amenities), while understanding ineligible items like sidewalks, landscaping for beautification, and non-trail park elements.
• Master the RTP Grant Application Process and Requirements: Participants will learn the key components of a successful RTP grant application, including the 80% federal/20% local match requirement, grant ceilings ($300,000 for non-motorized, $600,000 for motorized), the importance of clear budgets, concise narratives, and effective supporting documents (e.g., maps, photos, and letters of support), and the annual application timeline (November 1 to February 1).
• Apply Best Practices for Competitive Grant Proposals: Learners will understand the selection criteria used by the volunteer advisory committee, emphasizing clarity, recreational focus, accessibility, sustainability, and community support, and how to avoid common pitfalls like ineligible budget items or lack of public access demonstration.
• Explore Strategies for Project Implementation and Compliance: Participants will acquire insights into post-award requirements, including the 20-year public access commitment, federal environmental review processes, reimbursement-based funding, and the importance of engaging professional trail builders or qualified Youth Corps to ensure sustainable and intentional trail design.