Federal Recreational Trail Program

Program Purpose: To encourage the maintenance and development of motorized, non-motorized, and diversified trails by providing funding assistance.

Eligible Projects: Motorized and non-motorized trail projects; maintenance/restoration of existing recreational trails; development/ rehabilitation of recreational trail linkages, including trail side and trail head facilities; environmental awareness and safety education programs relating to the use of recreational trails; and redesign/relocation of trails to benefit/minimize the impact to the natural environment.

Ineligible Activities: Condemnation, trail construction in federally designated wilderness areas, and facilitating motorized trail use on trails predominantly used by non motorized users prior to May 1, 1991.

Who May Apply: All projects must be sponsored by a unit of government, preferably in cooperation with a local trail organization.

Priorities: The Minnesota Recreational Trail Users Association annually prioritizes funding categories prior to the solicitation process. Projects that involve urban youth corps workers such as the Minnesota Conservation Corps will be given special consideration. Download the Minnesota Conservation Corps Fact Sheet for more information.

Level of Assistance: A 50% cash or in-kind match for eligible elements of the project proposal is required. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement. Neither this funding source nor the cash match may be used to meet existing payroll; only contract services, materials and supplies are reimbursable. Approximately $2,000,000 is available for projects annually. Minimum $1,000; maximum $150,000. Federal funds can in some cases be used as match for this program.

General Information: Funding comes from revenue received by the Federal Highway Trust Fund. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2012.

How to Apply: The complete application is due annually on February 26. Below are links to two types of program applications-standard trail grants and equipment purchase grants:

Trail Grants

Equipment Purchase Grants

Contact Information

Andrew Korsberg, Trail Program Coordinator
Phone: (651) 259-5642
E-mail:andrew.korsberg@state.mn.us

Traci Vibo, Grant Coordinator
Phone: (651) 259-5619
E-mail:traci.vibo@state.mn.us

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Trails and Waterways
500 Lafayette Road, Box 52
St. Paul, MN 55155

Applications are reviewed by DNR and the state's trail advisory council, the Minnesota Recreational Trail Users Association (MRTUA).