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.
2023-2024 Funding Cycle Announcement
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce the 2023-2024 funding cycle for the Recreational Trails Program.
All eligible applicants must complete a pre-application online. Following the competitive pre-application phase, successful pre-applicants will be invited to complete a second-level application. Applicants may submit pre-applications for both the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and Recreational Trails Program, but applications must be for separate projects. The Recreational Trails Program is a federal grant program funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. RTP provides funding for trail construction, trail maintenance, and trail education. Eligible applicants include qualified local governments (as determined by the Department of Community Affairs), authorized commissions, and state and federal agencies. Nongovernmental entities with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status may apply for education funds only.
Upcoming Grant Application Timeline
- September 1, 2023 - Pre-application window opened
- November 1, 2023 - Pre-application window closed
- February 2024 - Successful Pre-applicants invited to start Second-level Applications
- March 31, 2024 - Second-level Application period closes
- Final approval of Projects anticipated
RTP Workshops
DNR Grants Staff will conduct two webinar-based Educational Workshops, covering the highlights of the Program and offering training on the application process. These workshops will be at no cost to the public, but we do ask that you register below. Each webinar will be limited to 100 logins to accommodate effective question and answer opportunities.
If you have any questions or need additional information, contact Ouicia Jolly at ouicia.jolly@dnr.ga.gov or 404-463-1779.
2023-2024 Grant Cycle Tutorial Videos (Nonmotorized)
Module 1: 2023 Funding Cycle Overview for Recreational Trails Program and Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (more information about GOSP)
Module 2: General Overview of RTP
Module 3: RTP Funding
Module 4: Pre-application Process and Criteria
Module 5: Second Level Application & Grant Management
Module 6:Tips for Success for GADNR Grant Applications
2023-2024 Recreational Trails Program (Georgia Off-Highway Vehicle) Tutorial Video
The webinar includes:
Motorized Project Types
Funding Basics
Pre-Application and Criteria
For more information on the overview of the RTP program, Second-level application, Grant management, and Tips for a successful application review the nonmotorized tutorial videos above.
Recreational Trail Program Previous Grant Cycle Recipients
Advisory Committee
A committee of individuals interested in Georgia trails program to advise staff on policy issues. The committee is required to meet once a year. The meetings are open to the public.
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
Paul Beck, Georgia Bounty Runners 4 Wheel Drive Club
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
Andrea White, 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 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan: SCORP 2022-2026
Georgia State Wildlife Action Plan: SWAP 2015-2025
Contact Us
Ouicia Jolly, RTP Grants Manager
404-463-1779| ouicia.jolly@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