Overview
The Recreational Trails Program is a federal grant program funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered at the state level by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of RTP is to support recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Eligible applicants include qualified local governments, authorized commissions, and state and federal agencies.
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2021-2022 Funding Cycle Announcement
We are excited to announce the dates for our 2021-2022 grant cycle.
Upcoming Grant Application Timeline
- September 1, 2021 - Pre-application window opened
- November 1, 2021 - Pre-application window closed
- February 2022 - Successful Pre-applicants invited to start Second-level Applications
- March 31, 2022 - Second-level Application period closes
- Fall 2022 - Final approval of Projects anticipated
RTP Workshops
DNR Grants Staff conducted web-based one-day workshops about RTP’s two grant programs during June. While these events have already passed, the slides that were used in those presentations and the Program Manuals for each grant can be found on the righthand side of this page to support applicants. A recording of the presentation about the grants for nonmotorized trails can be viewed in the video clips below.
Tutorial Videos
Module 1: 2021 Funding Cycle Overview for RTP and Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (for more about GOSP visit www.gadnr.org/GOSP)
Module 2: A General Overview of RTP
Module 3: The Basics about Funding for RTP
Module 4: Specific Information about the Pre-application Process and Criteria
Module 5: Managing RTP Applications and Grants Beyond the Pre-application Phase
Module 6: Tips for Success for GADNR Grant Applications and a Q&A Session for both RTP and GOSP
Recreational Trail Program 2019–2020 Second-level Application Invitees
We are excited to announce that the following applicants have been invited to submit final applications for their proposals. Once all documents are submitted, reviewed, and approved, each project listed below will be authorized for funding. The selected projects include five trails in public parks, two water trail projects for canoeing and kayaking, three greenway paths through communities, one rails-to-trails project, and six off-road motorized trail systems.
- City of Albany - Flint River Trails, Albany Downtown Connector - $200,000
- City of Cairo - Southern Terrace Park Trail - $200,000
- City of Covington - Covington Central Park Red Trail - $200,000
- City of Cumming - City Center Trail - $200,000
- City of Guyton - Main Street Rail Trail - $66,126
- City of Young Harris - Cupid Falls Trails - $155,440
- Bartow County - Etowah River Water Trail at Douthit Ferry - $82,518
- Rockdale County - South River Water Trail Launch and Takeout - $200,000
- Troup County - The Thread, Phase 7 at Panther Park - $200,000
- Fort Yargo State Park - Lake Loop Trail Bridge Reconstruction - $200,000
- Georgia College & State University - Campus Connector Trail, Phase II - $200,000
- U.S. Forest Service - Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest - Forest Wide Motorized Trail Rehabilitation - $582,900
Advisory Committee
A committee of individuals interested in Georgia trails advises program staff on policy issues. The committee meets at least once a year and meetings are open to the public. The Advisory Committee meeting for 2021 was held online on Thursday, May 6th. A report of the minutes is available from program staff.
The current members of the committee are listed below:
Bicyclists
Keith Owen, Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association
Rick Moon, Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association
Off-Road Vehicle Users
Kenneth Sutz, Southern Four Wheel Drive Association
Bruce Dreher, Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association
Equestrians
Randy Brown, Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia
Debbie Crowe, Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association
Water Trail Users
Dan MacIntyre, Georgia Canoe Association
Gwyneth Moody, Georgia River Network
Hiking, Jogging, Fitness (Pedestrian) Users
Greta DeMayo, Fulton County
Carlton E. Harris, Lumpkin County
O'Ree Crittenden, Muscogee County
Carolyn Hartfield, Hartfield's Hikers, OPALS (Older People with Active Lifestyles), Atlanta African American Adventures
Georgia Trails Education Grant
Our grants specialists also administer the Georgia Trails Education Grants promoting trail safety and environmental protection. Projects must have a direct relationship with a recreational trail or trails. Projects can include education programs and/or production of trail-related educational material (whether for information displays, print, video, audio, interactive computer displays, etc.)
While we are not currently accepting applications for the Georgia Trails Education Grant, we will post here once funds become available.
Links
Georgia's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: SCORP 2017-2021
Georgia State Wildlife Action Plan: SWAP 2015-2025
Contact Us
Lindsey Brown, Grants Manager
404.463.1779| lindsey.brown@dnr.ga.gov
Taylor Brown, Grants Chief
404.463.8601| taylor.brown@dnr.ga.gov
Recreational Trails Program
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 1370 East
Atlanta, GA 30334