The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is an assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). RTP is administered through the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). Recreational Trails Program funds may be used for:

Construction of new trails (motorized and non-motorized). Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails (motorized and non-motorized). Access to trails by persons with disabilities. Purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment. Acquisition of land or easements for a trail, or for trail corridors. Operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection as related to recreational trails.

DEEP may award grants to private organizations; municipalities; federal, state and regional agencies and other government entities such as tribal.  Sponsors may submit proposals for any of the permitted uses as listed. Grant amounts vary. 

RTP Grant Making Process (typical)

Project Guidance

2012 grant round - Closed on  September 1, 2011.  Due to national level transportation program reauthorization delays and subsequent budgeting, funding levels were finalized in July 2012.  The budget was cut by close to $400,000.00.  The proposals have been ranked by our Recreational Trails Advisory Committee and are now being reviewed by our State Historic Preservation Office and Federal Highways Administration Division Office.  All applicants will be notified as soon as the reviews are completed.

2013 - 2014 grant round -  Closed on  March 29, 2013.  To facilitate the distribution of funds as soon as they become available, this solicitation covers funds that may be available in federal fiscal year 2013 or 2014; funding levels are not guaranteed.  The CT Recreational Trails Committee will be reviewing the proposals in May and making recommendations to the Federal Highway Administration for use of any potential FFY2013-14 funding.   We will communicate with all applicants in June-July as to the status of their proposals - is it on the recommendation list for funding or not. At that point, we wait for news of approved proposals.  See detailed RTP grant making process above.

Previously funded projects:

2006 Projects     2007 Projects    2008 Projects   2009 Projects   2010 Projects  2011 Projects

Sample, approved proposal:  Town of Mansfield

Some of the funded recreational trail projects are posted on the CT Forest & Park Association's Walk CT website.  Take a look for a trail near you!

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact Laurie Giannotti at (860) 424-3578 or by email at laurie.giannotti@ct.gov

Content last updated March 29, 2013