Recreational Trails Program (Motorized Portion) Grant Program Information

•Eligible Projects
Many trails provide both a recreational and transportation purpose. RTP funds may be used on any trail that provides recreation. Using RTP funds on a trail project does not make the trail ineligible for other federal highway funds if the trail also provides a transportation purpose. In addition, projects must be consistent with the Arizona OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) program mission statement, “to develop and enhance statewide off-highway vehicle recreational opportunities, and develop educational programs that promote resource protection, social responsibility, and interagency cooperation.”

•Eligible Applicants
Governmental entities are eligible to apply for RTP grants. This includes cities, towns, counties, tribal governments, and state and federal agencies.

Non-profit organizations designated as 501(c) by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible if the organization meets all other eligibility requirements including the submission of additional financial information.

•Matching Requirement
Grants are awarded on a matching basis. RTP funds can be used to fund a maximum of 80% of the total project cost; the other 20% must be provided as match from the applicant. A federal agency applicant must provide at least 5% of the total project costs from a non-federal source. The remaining 15% of the total project cost can come from other federal sources. The applicant’s matching share must be certified at the time of application.

•Examples of Eligible Activities
Eligible project work includes:

-development, construction, and enhancement of OHV recreational facilities, use areas and trails (for example, trailheads, restrooms, access improvements, signing, picnic areas, route inventories);

-mitigation -- defined as rectifying or reducing existing damage to natural (flora, fauna, and land) or cultural (prehistoric or historic archaeological sites) resources caused by off-highway vehicles;

-prevention of damage to natural or cultural resources;

-development and dissemination of OHV-related education materials;

-acquisition or lease of future trail alignments or areas for OHV recreation;

-renovation – defined as the redesign, reconstruction, non-routine maintenance, or relocation of recreational trails to benefit the natural environment or to mitigate and minimize the impact on the natural environment. Other reasons for renovation may include erosion and deterioration, improper original alignment, improper design, safety-related issues due to hazardous conditions, and natural disasters.

Note: Revegetation is defined as the process of returning terrain to its natural state. This can include repair and conditioning of the ground; boxing and transplanting native trees, bushes, shrubs, and cacti; and the purchase and use of native grass and flower seed. Natural habitat should not require permanent irrigation. Landscaping is defined as the addition of trees, bushes, shrubs, cacti, grass, flowers, or rock to enhance an area and irrigation needed to support the landscaping. Landscaping and irrigation are not eligible scope items.

The development of local or regional plans is not eligible for funding. Funds cannot be used for administrative or overhead costs, or costs associated with application preparation. Design and engineering costs incurred after the participant agreement is executed are limited to 10% of the awarded grant amount.

•National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance
All recipients and subrecipients of funds through the RTP must comply with applicable State and Federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders. Each applicant must provide State Parks with documentation which meets the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, and other applicable laws (such as laws regarding threatened and endangered species, hazardous wastes and contaminated properties, historic and archaeological resources, etc.).

•Grant Cycle
The RTP (Motorized Portion) grant cycle is annual, with applications due to the Arizona State Parks Grants Section on the last working day of March with grants awarded in September. Application manuals are available on the Arizona State Parks website; informational workshops are held in the fall prior to the application due date.

To download the RTP Grant Application, click here (pdf).

For a list of past RTP grant awards, click here.

For additional information about this program, contact the Arizona State Parks Recreational Trails Grants Coordinator via Email at grants@pr.state.az.us or at (602)542-7130.