Recreational Trails Program
Program Brief
FHWA Contact: Christopher B Douwes, Trails and Enhancements Program Manager
christopher.douwes@dot.gov; 202-366-5013; fax 202-366-3409
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds to the States to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Each State administers its own program, usually through a State resource agency.
Eligible Projects
- Maintenance and restoration of existing trails.
- Development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages.
- Purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment.
- Construction of new trails (with restrictions for new trails on Federal lands).
- Acquisition of easements or property for trails.
- Assessment of trail conditions for accessibility and maintenance.
- Development and dissemination of publications and operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection related to trails (including supporting non-law enforcement trail safety and trail use monitoring patrol programs, and providing trail-related training) (limited to 5 percent of a State's funds).
- State administrative costs related to this program (limited to 7 percent of a State's funds).
States are encouraged to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with qualified youth conservation or service corps.
Recreational Trails Program Webpages: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/.
Program Guidance: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/guidance.htm
This page links to the RTP Guidance, other relevant FHWA procedures, financial management, accessibility, and summaries of State practices. The RTP Guidance webpage is consistent with the Transportation Enhancement (TE) Guidance webpage. Some resources applicable to the RTP may be labeled Transportation Enhancement Activities, and some resources applicable to TE may be labeled Recreational Trails Program. These programs can and should work together toward common goals. TE and RTP program managers should work together.
- TE State Contacts: www.enhancements.org/ (see either State Profiles or Professional TE Contacts)
- RTP State Contacts: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/rtpstate.htm
- RTP Summary: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/rtbroch.htm
- Federal Transportation Funds Benefit Recreation Presentation: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/fundrec_pres.htm
- RTP Funding: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/recfunds.htm
- RTP Project Examples: www.americantrails.org/awards/CRTawards.html
- RTP Project Database: www.funoutdoors.info/rtphome.html
RTP and TE Update: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/news/index.htm
The RTP and TE Update is an archive of updates sent to State Trail Administrators, TE Program Managers, and advocacy groups. Items include updates on program-related issues, general announcements, and upcoming events.
Publications: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/publications.htm
The RTP Publications page has links to the Trails Publications Order Form, publications available from the USDA Forest Service Technology and Development Program, accessibility publications, and selected trail related publications from Federal Land Management agencies and from nonprofit organizations.
Links: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/links.htm
This page links to other related resources and trail interest organizations.
Events: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/events.htm
This page lists national trail-related events, at which FHWA attendance is encouraged. Regional or State events are listed on the American Trails Calendar at www.americantrails.org/Calendar.html.
