FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 4, 2014
FOUR RECREATIONAL TRAIL PROJECTS TO BEGIN
~Projects
develop new community recreational trails~
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of
Environmental Protection’s Florida Recreational Trails Program executed four
contracts in four counties for the development and renovation of trails. After
being awarded competitive-grant funds during the 2013 and 2014 submission
cycle, these four projects can now begin.
The Recreational Trails Program provides competitive-grant funds
to local communities to renovate, develop or maintain recreational trails and
trailside facilities. Contract agreements are for two years, with two one-year
extensions permitted pursuant to the recreational trails program administrative
rule.
“Without the grant funds provided through the Recreational
Trails Program, some of these community projects might not exist,” said Rick
Mercer, director of DEP’s Office of Operations.
“We are happy that the contracts are now in place and the work to
develop and renovate these recreational trails can begin.”
The four contracts executed by the Recreational Trails Program are
as follows.
- The village of Palmetto Bay - Funding will be used for the renovation
of the west restroom and 2,000 linear feet of 6 to 8 feet wide, multi-use
asphalt trail and related facilities.
- The city of Rockledge - Funding will be utilized for the construction
of 12,513 linear feet of 12-foot wide, stone multi-use trail, with a bridge and
related facilities.
- The city of Chiefland - Funding will be utilized for the
construction of 1,200 linear feet of 12-foot wide, porous asphalt trail and
related facilities.
- The Foundation of Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
- Funding will be used for the construction of 1,705 linear feet of 8-foot
wide multi-use trail, 16 benches, signage and related facilities.
The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded assistance
program of the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Highway
Administration. A portion of the grant awards must be matched by the grantee.
In Florida, the competitive-grant program is administered by the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection’s Land and Recreation Grants section within the
Office of Operations.
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