Nearly $1.3M in Recreational Trail Program grants awarded in 25 counties

Will help develop new trails and enhance existing sites

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 12, 2105) — Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear today announced nearly $1.3 million in 2015 Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grants to develop and maintain two trail projects throughout Kentucky.

“Improving Kentucky’s trails is important to developing our state’s overall adventure tourism efforts,” said Gov. Beshear. “This funding helps our communities develop new trails and enhance existing sites, and will result in more tourism dollars flowing into local economies.”

RTP grants may be used to provide assistance for acquisition of easements; development and/or maintenance of recreational trails; and trailhead facilities for both motorized and non-motorized use. Examples of trail uses include hiking, cycling, inline skating, equestrian use, off-road.

“We are fortunate to live in a state that offers an array of beautiful, natural resources around which we can create top quality tourism activities,” Jane Beshear said. “The RTP program funding helps Kentucky towns and counties develop premier outdoor recreational destinations that both local residents and visitors from across the state and country can enjoy.”

RTP is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, and Kentucky’s RTP is administered by the Department for Local Government. It requires that non-motorized trail applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive a 50 percent reimbursement on approved projects, and that motorized trail applicants match the amount of funds requested to receive an 80 percent reimbursement. Those eligible to apply include city and county governments and state and federal agencies.

RTP applicants that also applied to receive Kentucky Trail Town designations received additional points in the RTP selection process. Trail Towns are certified through the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, and are communities near trail systems that help boost local tourism and economic growth through an atmosphere of trail-friendly businesses that cater to trail users.