Recreational Trail Grant 

The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded initiative administered at the state level by the Kentucky Department for Local Government, with funding originating from the Federal Highway Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation. This program is designed to support the development, maintenance, and enhancement of recreational trail systems across Kentucky. It reflects a broader federal objective to expand public access to outdoor recreation, promote environmental stewardship, and improve transportation alternatives through trail infrastructure. The program operates as a reimbursement-based grant, meaning recipients must initially incur project costs and then request reimbursement in accordance with approved expenditures. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that improve recreational trails and associated facilities. Eligible uses of funding include acquisition of property for trail development, construction and maintenance of trails, development of trailheads, and installation of trailside amenities. The program explicitly allows for land acquisition through purchase, transfer, or donation, provided that all transactions comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. Additionally, all land appraisals must meet the appraisal requirements established by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, ensuring that property valuations are consistent and compliant with state standards. Funding requests must fall within a defined range, with a minimum request of twenty five thousand dollars and a maximum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars. The program requires a cost share, structured as an eighty twenty split between federal funding and local matching contributions. This means that applicants must provide a twenty percent match of the total project cost, which may include local funds or other eligible contributions. Because the program is reimbursement based, applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover upfront costs prior to reimbursement. Eligibility criteria are outlined in a separate program guidance document, and applicants are encouraged to consult this resource for detailed requirements. While the specific eligible entities are not explicitly listed in the provided material, the program is generally intended for organizations capable of managing trail development or maintenance projects within Kentucky. Applicants must also consider regulatory requirements, including consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine whether environmental permits are necessary, particularly in cases where wetlands may be impacted. Failure to secure required permits may affect project eligibility or implementation timelines. The application process requires submission of a formal application by the stated deadline. For the current cycle, applications must be submitted by October 30, 2026. Applicants are advised to review the official application materials and scoring guide to understand evaluation criteria. Proposals will be assessed based on predefined scoring metrics, and final funding decisions will be made in the spring of 2027. This timeline indicates a review period of several months between submission and award notification, during which applications are evaluated for alignment with program goals and feasibility. The program also incorporates advisory oversight through the Recreational Trails Program Advisory Board, which conducts meetings that are open to the public. These meetings provide transparency into program operations and may offer insights into funding priorities or decision making processes. Applicants may benefit from monitoring these meetings to better understand program expectations. Questions regarding the program or application process can be directed to the program contact, Pamela Jordan, via the provided email address. Overall, the Recreational Trails Program represents a structured funding opportunity aimed at enhancing outdoor infrastructure within Kentucky. By combining federal funding with local investment, the program supports sustainable trail development while ensuring compliance with environmental, financial, and regulatory standards. Applicants must carefully adhere to application requirements, matching obligations, and permitting processes to successfully compete for funding.

Review scoring guide carefully and confirm permitting requirements early