Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
The R24 Grant Cycle is open until October 18, 5:00 PM (PST)
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds annually for recreational trails and trails-related projects. The RTP is a state-administered local assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). RTP is administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Motorized projects are administered by the Department’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division and non-motorized projects are administered by the Department’s Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS).
R24 RTP Important Dates
- August 27, 2024
- Recreational Trails Program Technical Workshop (online)
- September 3, 2024
- Grant application process begins- Application materials are available via the OHMVR Division's website
- October 18, 2024
- Final applications are due in OLGA by 5:00 p.m. (PST)
- October 28, 2024
- the OHMVR Division begins application review period
- December 9, 2024
- The OHMVR Division announces recommendations for funding and notifies Federal Highways
Program Overview
- Cities and Counties
- Districts
- State Agencies
- Federal Agencies
- Non-Profit Organizations with management responsibilities of public lands
- Applicants are responsible for matching a minimum of 12% of total project costs, with RTP funding a maximum of 88% of total project costs.
Eligible Match Sources:
- State funds, including State Grant funds
- Local funds, including general funds and bond funds
- Private funds
- Donated materials and services
- Value of donated land (for Acquisition projects only)
- Other federal funds
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has approved regulations for the Recreational Trails Program. (Title 14, California Code of Regulations Chapter 11.7, Section 4860)
The regulations incorporate the procedural guide below dated "FINAL, June 4, 2007" that became effective on August 14, 2008.
Note: The Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) and the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) are currently in the process of updating the 2007 Procedural Guide.
RTP Procedural Guide and FAQs:
The Guide contains all program information and required application documents.
Unless otherwise noted, all applicants are required to comply with the following after the State recommends the project for funding:
- Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and documentation*.
- Completion of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 process and documentation.
- Listing of the project on either the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) or a local Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), as applicable.
- For acquisition projects, applicants must obtain an appraisal that conforms to the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (UASFLA).
*Note: Completed NEPA is required for projects on federal land prior to the application due date. For more information about these federal requirements, please refer to page 51 in the RTP Procedural Guide.
More information about these federal application requirements can also be found on page 51 of the RTP Procedural Guide.
Partnership Opportunities:
The RTP encourages applicants to develop cooperative agreements with qualified youth conservation or service corps to perform trail construction and maintenance. The California Conservation Corps (CCC) and California Association of Local Conservation Corps (CALCC) are available to assist with trail construction, maintenance, repair, and restoration. To learn more about how these statewide Corps can assist you, please visit CCC’s website and CALCC’s website.
