Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
Forecasted
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) supports public and nonprofit sponsors in building, restoring, and maintaining Arkansas trails and related facilities for motorized and non-motorized recreation.
Funder: Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT)
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $1.4 million annually; infrastructure requests start at $50,000, with no maximum award and a minimum 20% local match
Summary: Supports construction, restoration, and maintenance of Arkansas motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and related facilities.
Key Information: Reimbursement only: sponsors must pay project costs before requesting reimbursement, with no upfront funding available.
Description
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides federal funding to public and nonprofit project sponsors for recreational trails and trail-related facilities in Arkansas. ARDOT’s Local Programs Division administers the program in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration. Eligible work includes new trails, maintenance and restoration, trailhead and trailside facilities, trail linkages, and educational programs promoting trail safety and environmental protection.
New trail construction and major maintenance receive priority over support facilities such as restrooms, benches, parking, and lighting. Diversified-use proposals are favored when they serve multiple compatible recreational purposes or creatively share corridors between motorized and non-motorized users. Applications undergo competitive review by the Arkansas Recreational Trails Advisory Committee.
