Virginia Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

The application deadline has passed. Please check back for a grant cycle next year.

Overview

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a matching reimbursement grant program that provides for the creation and maintenance of trails and trail facilities. The program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

RTP funds come from federal gasoline tax revenues, some of which are used for recreation activities and for non-gasoline tax supported roads. FHWA prescribes many of the regulations governing this program. Grants may go to registered nonprofit organizations, city governments, county governments or other government entities but must be considered in accord with guidance from the Virginia Recreational Trails Program Advisory Committee. The RTP requires that 30 percent of trail program funds be used for motorized (ATV, OHV, dirt-bikes, etc.) recreational trail uses, 30 percent for non-motorized recreational trails uses, and 40 percent for proposals with the greatest number of compatible recreational purposes and/or those that provide for innovative recreational trail corridor sharing (multiple-use trails).

This is a matching reimbursement program. The sponsoring entity must be able to finance the project while requesting periodic reimbursements. All projects must have at least a 20 percent match. Proposals for planning, gap analysis, feasibility studies or any combination thereof are ineligible.

Grants are awarded for projects that enhance trail opportunities that bring about results not otherwise possible. Therefore, RTP grants that replace other potential or actual trail funding will not be awarded.

RTP grants are for projects with primarily recreational value rather than those with more utilitarian transportation value. Grant awards are usually made for between $25,000 and $100,000.

A two-phase application process is being used for the grant cycle. The first phase requires applicants to submit a Application. The second phase requires completion of the Proposal Description and Environmental Screening Application (PDESA). Only those applicants selected to advance to the second phase need to complete the PDESA. DCR uses this two-phase approach so that applicants need not write time-consuming proposals for which funding is unlikely.

Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on April 13, 2012. Those received after this time will not be considered.

How to compete for a Recreational Trails Program Award:

1. Applicants should read the 2012 RTP Manual, which has a detailed program description and covers eligibility, match requirements, and program rules and regulations. Also, click on frequently asked questions (FAQ) and grant-writing tips for more information.
2. Applicants must complete the application (fillable document). Answer the questions by checking the appropriate box and filling in the appropriate blank or narrative. Answers should be made in the space that's available.
3. Eight paper copies and one complete version copied to a CD or jump drive the application must be submitted to DCR no later than 4 p.m. on April 13, 2012.
4. Applicants with active recreation grants from DCR should contact the RTP administrator regarding eligibility for the 2012 RTP grant cycle.
5. Review and Notification Process:
   1. Applications will be reviewed and scored by the Virginia Recreational Trails Advisory Committee. In addition to the scoring criteria, the committee will take into account the following factors when selecting projects to advance to the second phase of the competition: performance on previous or current grants with DCR; geographic distribution; and the conservation status of the associated property.
   2. Applicants will be notified in writing regarding whether or not their proposal has been selected to advance to the second phase of the competition.
   3. Applicants with projects selected to advance to the second phase will be invited to attend a workshop on how to complete environmental review and public commenting requirements. The submission deadline for that application will be announced at the workshop.

For more information about the Recreational Trails Program, please contact Synthia Waymack at synthia.waymack@dcr.virginia.gov, (804) 786-4379.