DEP ACCEPTING RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATIONS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

DEP ACCEPTING RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATIONS

~Grant opportunity to enhance public outdoor recreation~


TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will be accepting grant applications during April 15-30 for the Recreational Trails Program, which provides competitive matching grant funds to renovate, develop or maintain recreational motorized, nonmotorized and mixed-use trails and trailside facilities.

The program provides financial assistance to municipal, county, state or federal governmental agencies and recognized state and federal Indian tribal governments. Also eligible to receive grants are active, registered Florida nonprofit corporations that have an agreement with a governmental agency to develop public lands and public recreational trails.

“The Recreational Trails Program helps agencies leverage local funds to develop trail facilities for all enthusiasts,” said Bryan Bradner, acting director of DEP's Office of Operations. “These projects increase accessibility, enhance recreational activity and provide healthy opportunities to connect with the outdoors.”

For the 2015 grant cycle, project proposals may address the following recreational trail needs: construction of new trails (with restrictions for new trails on Federal lands); maintenance, restoration or renovation of existing trails and trail linkages; and the development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities.

As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, the Recreational Trails Program contract agreements are for two years and grants are provided on a 50:50, 60:40, or 80:20 (program/grantee) matching basis.

Additional information, including the Recreational Trails Program application packet, can be found here.