Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants support Arizona trail users by funding trail construction, maintenance, facilities, and education to advance sustainable, accessible motorized and non-motorized recreation.
Funder: Arizona State Parks & Trails
Due Dates: Opportunity-specific deadlines in WebGrants
Funding Amounts: $1,820,000 available; reimbursement funding
Summary: Supports Arizona recreational trail construction, maintenance, related facilities, and education for motorized and non-motorized users.
Key Information: Only one active project per funding opportunity; existing projects must close before the next application start date.
Description
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) supports the development and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized recreational trails in Arizona. Eligible work includes new trail construction, maintenance, trailheads, restrooms, parking, and trail safety and environmental education. The federal program is jointly administered in Arizona by the Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona State Parks & Trails (ASPT).
Established by Congress in 1991, RTP receives a portion of federal motor fuel taxes paid on fuel used for non-highway recreation, including ATVs, snowmobiles, and other off-road vehicles. The Federal Highway Administration returns these funds to states under a “users-pay, users-benefit” model. Arizona’s review criteria emphasize connections to planning documents, sustainable trails, accessibility, stewardship, project readiness, and detailed, reasonable budgets.
