State invites applications for Recreational Trail Grants

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for Connecticut’s National Recreational Trails Program Grants. The Naugatuck River Greenway in Waterbury, CT is a past recipient of one of these grants. Image source: Waterbury City Website

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for Connecticut’s National Recreational Trails Program Grants.

Applications will be accepted through March 29, 2013.

Grants may be made to any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments and tribal governments. Grant amounts vary.

The National Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is an assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. RTP is administered through the 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.

Highlights of previous grant recipients include:

Waterbury Development Corporation, received $80,000 for a series of improvements to the Chase Bridge to make it accessible to all users. This is a first step for the Naugatuck River Greenway in Waterbury. http://www.cogcnv.org/greenway

The Last Green Valley, was awarded $87,100 to design a network of easily-accessible water trails that will provide family-friendly recreation close to home for the 300,000 residents of The Last Green Valley. http://www.tlgv.org/index.php

The Town of Oxford, received $77,000 for the Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary to enhance and create nearly 3 miles of new trails, additional parking spaces and bridges – including a horse bridge.

Visit www.ct.gov/deep/rectrails for details and to download an application.

Posted January 18, 2013

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