This program, administered by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), provides funding to local project sponsors (public and private/nonprofit agencies) to construct and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and trail support facilities. The AHTD works closely with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to administer this Program. Since the inception of the program, approximately 170 trails have been completed in 72 of the 75 counties of the State resulting in $9.1 million being invested in the Arkansas Recreational Program. The enabling legislation for the program can be reviewed at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/.
Project sponsors apply for program funds through a competitive process with the applications being reviewed by the Arkansas Recreational Trails Advisory Committee (ARTAC). ARTAC consists of ten members, nine of whom are appointed by the Governor representing various types of trail users. Successful applicants must submit plans and specifications for the project, provide proof of ownership of the property on which the trail lies, obtain all necessary environmental clearances and permits, and enter into a contract with AHTD. These sponsors are then responsible for performing the work described in the contract. As work on the project is accomplished, sponsors are eligible to request reimbursement from AHTD. No “up-front” or “start-up” funds are available.
Reimbursement Program
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a reimbursement-type grant program. The program provides for an 80 percent federal share and 20% non-federal share for each project. The main priority in allocating funding is for the construction of new trails and for major maintenance of existing trails. Support facilities such as restrooms, benches, trailhead parking and lighting have been viewed by ARTAC as less important. In the past, FHWA has approved the following as they specifically relate to recreational trails:
- new construction.
- relocation of existing trails.
- major and minor maintenance of existing trails.
- purchase of trail maintenance and construction equipment.
- fee simple land purchase.
- easement purchase.
- bridge purchase and installation.
- bridge construction.
- interpretive brochures.
- trail education materials.
- lighting.
- landscaping necessary to heal construction damage along paved trails.
- bike racks.
- trail signs and marking.
- trail head facilities.
- restrooms.
- bulletin boards.
- all terrain vehicle/dirt-bike loading ramps.
- parking areas.
- water supply.
- drinking fountains.
- trash receptacles.
- picnic tables.
The following have not been approved:
- landscaping beyond that necessary to heal construction damage along paved trails.
- irrigation equipment or maintenance cost of previously funded trail equipment.
- visitor center construction/improvements playground equipment or sidewalks
- engineering, inspection, planning, design or architect fees.
Who is Eligible
Applications for trail projects will be accepted from:
- city and county governments.
- state agencies.
- other governmental bodies created under state law (i.e. river authorities, planning
districts).
- federal land managers (i.e. U.S. Forest Service, Corps of Engineers).
- private 501(c)(3) organizations.
Program Limitations
The federal act outlines a formula for state grant spending: 30% of the funds are reserved for uses related to motorized trail recreation, 30% are for uses related to non-motorized trail recreation, and the remaining 40% is discretionary for "diversified" trail use that gives preference to project proposals which (i) provide for the greatest number of compatible recreational trail purposes or (ii) provide for innovative recreational trail corridor sharing to accommodate motorized and non-motorized recreational trail use. The program will limit the amount granted for any individual project in one application period to a maximum grant amount to be set at the beginning of each funding cycle.
Application
Typically, applications for the Arkansas Recreational Trails Program are accepted annually. The deadline for submission of the Fiscal year 2009 Program Application (ms word format) was June 5, 2009.
Contact Information
Bill Bastress
Recreational Trails Program Coordinator
Email: Bill.Bastress@arkansashighways.com
Phone: (501) 569-2209
Fax: (501) 569-2597