Recreational Trails Program Guidance
Eligible Projects Proposals must be submitted so that the Recreational Trails Advisory Committee (RTAC) will be able to consider the whole project from beginning to end. Applicants may submit scope of work and budgets that target a phase or phases of the whole project. A "phase" should be a ‘stand-alone’ project that can be utilized successfully independent of the whole project. Please note that the CT RTP annual budget is typically just over 1 million dollars and that the RTAC prefers to fund more than one project annually. Multiple use projects are encouraged and receive additional points toward ranking. To be considered multiple use the project must accommodate two (2) or more of the following user groups: foot-travel (hiking, cross country skiing, roller blading, etc.), equestrian, cycling, mountain biking, or motorized uses.
Eligible |
Non-Eligible |
Construction of new trails may include water trails and construction of trail bridges |
Roads, railroad’s, sidewalks |
Maintenance of existing recreational trails |
Law Enforcement |
Restoration of existing recreational trails |
Upgrading, expanding or otherwise facilitating motorized use or access to trails predominantly used by non-motorized trail users, and on which, as of May 1, 1991, motorized use is either prohibited or has not occurred. |
Development and rehabilitation of trail-side and trail-head facilities including drinking water fountains, restroom facilities, safety rails, signs, kiosks, benches, vehicle parking areas, drainage, crossings, stabilization, controls, shelters. |
Playing fields; highway rest area or visitor center |
Development and rehabilitation trail linkages including urban linkages |
Sidewalks |
Purchase and lease of dedicated recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment |
Pick-up trucks, snowmobiles |
Acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property for recreational trails or recreational trail corridors |
Condemnation of any kind of interest in property |
Assessment of trail conditions for accessibility (UTAP) |
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Provision of features which facilitate the access and use of trails by persons with disabilities |
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Design, engineering and environmental compliance study costs |
Planning/feasibility studies |
Educational programs. For further details see Funding Level Targets below. |
Training related to club or organizational development or grant-writing skills |
RTP funds may be used to match other Federal funds |
Funding Level Targets
- Small projects - No more than 20% of available funds will be spent on projects with total cost less than $5,000.00.
- Educational Projects – No more than 5% of available funds will be spent on projects that develop and disseminate publications and operate educational programs to promote trail safety (supporting non-law enforcement trail safety/use monitoring patrol programs) and environmental protection. Examples include:
- Training on trail accessibility and sustainability and/or that promotes safety or environmental protection related to recreational trails.
- Programs that develop or support trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation, and assessment, because these steps relate to safety and environmental protection.
- Materials including: informational displays, kiosks, signage, fact sheets, video, audio, interactive computer displays, maps, etc. Please note that a trail system map generally is not an education project. However, if one side of a map is dedicated to trail safety and/or environmental protection education, then educational funds may participate in half of the cost of the map.
- Trail patrols to monitor and/or educate trail users on trail use, safety, conditions, and/or environmental impacts; and/or provide trailside assistance such as emergency aid, search and rescue, helping trail users repair equipment, etc. Grantees are encouraged to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with qualified youth conservation or service corps to develop and provide training and to work in trail patrols.
Grant Selection Procedure
All proposals are reviewed individually by DEEP staff and The RTAC members and given a preliminary score according to the tables below. The final selection and ranking (High, Medium or Low) of proposals is based upon the scores, considerations discussed by the RTAC and the amount of funds available.
Educational Project (max points attainable 35)
Point Value |
Project Attribute |
15 |
Statewide audience |
10 |
or Regional audience |
8 |
or Local audience |
5 |
Public/non-profit involvement in outreach and maintenance of program |
5 |
Public/non-profit endorsement and involvement in creation of program |
5 |
Need demonstrated |
5 |
Effectiveness will be demonstrated |
New Trail Development, Renovation or Maintenance (max points attainable 322)
Point Value |
Project Attribute |
15 |
This is a project that is noted in DEEP's Recreational Trails Plan |
15 |
This project connects to and extends trail(s) on state owned land. |
10 |
This project is included in a local and/or regional plan. Provide copies of relevant excerpts. |
10 |
This project is located in more than one town or provides a link to one or more towns. |
15 |
This is the next phase of a project previously completed and funded by DEEP’s RTP. |
5 |
This project is part of an alternative transportation plan (bike pad, etc) |
15 |
This project is part of a CT Greenways Council designated greenway. |
5 |
This project is the first of a kind or in the area. |
5 |
This project is receiving funding from other State or Federal agencies. |
5 |
This project is incorporates a Safe Routes to School program |
5 |
This project serves an urbanized area |
5 |
Includes an educational element |
10 |
Pedestrian use (hiking, running, xc skiing, snowshoe) (scoring based upon SCORP) |
8 |
Biking (scoring based upon SCORP) |
6 |
Motorized use (scoring based upon SCORP) |
8 |
Equestrian use (scoring based upon SCORP) |
5 |
Other use |
15 |
Adequate maintenance plan |
15 |
Statewide support demonstrated through letters |
10 |
Regional support demonstrated through letters |
5 |
Local support demonstrated through letters |
10 |
Public meetings held regarding trail development or land acquisition |
10 |
Sponsorship from local or regional group, agency or organization |
Contractual Information to Consider