Recreational Trails Program

The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded assistance program administered in Missouri by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources through its Division of State Parks. The program originates from federal legislation and is overseen nationally by the Federal Highway Administration. Its purpose is to support the development, maintenance, and accessibility of recreational trails and related facilities for both motorized and non motorized uses. Funding is derived from federal fuel taxes associated with off highway recreational use, and each state receives an annual apportionment to distribute through a competitive grant process. In Missouri, the program typically distributes between one million and one and a half million dollars annually. Individual projects may request between twenty five thousand dollars and two hundred fifty thousand dollars. The program operates as a reimbursement based matching grant, requiring a minimum twenty percent match from the project sponsor. Matching funds may include cash, in kind contributions, or donated materials and labor. All funded projects must remain open to the public and be maintained for at least twenty five years, ensuring long term public benefit and accessibility. Eligible projects include the construction of new recreational trails, rehabilitation or restoration of existing trails, development of trailhead facilities and amenities, acquisition of land or easements for trail corridors, and assessment of trail conditions for accessibility or maintenance. Projects must directly relate to recreational trail use and demonstrate clear public benefit. Certain activities such as routine maintenance, planning only projects, or facilities unrelated to trail use are not eligible for funding. Eligible applicants include local and state governments, school districts, nonprofit organizations, and certain federal agencies under specific conditions. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity, financial readiness, and the ability to complete and maintain the project. Applications require detailed documentation including project narratives, budgets, maps, environmental compliance materials, and evidence of public involvement. Applicants must also provide assurances of long term maintenance and public access. The application process follows an annual cycle beginning with a call for projects typically released in December. Applications are generally due by mid to late February. Following submission, applications are reviewed for eligibility and then evaluated and scored by the Missouri Trails Advisory Board based on criteria such as alignment with recreation plans, public support, accessibility, environmental considerations, and project feasibility. Final approval includes site inspections and federal review before awards are announced. Applicants are notified of funding decisions later in the year, typically after federal concurrence. Successful applicants must complete additional administrative steps including environmental reviews and participation in a grant administration workshop. Projects must be completed within a three year period after approval. The program is recurring annually, providing ongoing opportunities for eligible entities to apply for funding for trail related projects across Missouri.

Align project with SCORP priorities; demonstrate strong public support; clearly document financial readiness; ensure ADA accessibility considerations; provide complete and accurate application materials