Nevada Recreational Trails Program
Nevada State Parks
901 S. Stewart Street
5th Floor, Suite 5005
Carson City, NV 89701-5248


About the Program

Who administers the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in Nevada?
Who administers the Recreational Trails Program in Nevada? Nevada State Parks administers the RTP in Nevada. Each year the Federal Highway Administration distributes funds to each state based on gasoline tax revenue from registered off-road vehicles in the state. In 2008, Nevada received approximately 0.6% of the total apportionment or $1,106,141. Nevada State Parks is allowed to use 7% of the total apportioned funds for administration; this funding enables Nevada State Parks to staff one full-time position to manage the RTP in Nevada.

How are the funds distributed?
Nevada State Parks distributes the RTP funds each year through a competitive grant process. The FHWA requires that 30% of the funds be used to fund motorized projects, 30% for non-motorized projects, and 40% for diversified projects. The RTP is a reimbursement program; successful project sponsors must pay the approved costs up front and apply for reimbursement demonstrating proof of payment for each request for reimbursement. Cash advances are not given.

How much money is available?
The exact amount of funds available varies from year to year. In 2008, approximately 1,028,710 will be available. Applicants may apply for as little as $4,000 and as much as $100,000 for eligible projects. The allocation for 2009 will be announced in the fall of 2008. It is estimated that the amount available will equal or exceed the 2008 allocation.

What kind of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include: maintenance and restoration of existing trails; development and rehabilitation of trailside and trail head facilities and trail linkages; purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment; construction of new recreational trails, acquisition of easements and fee simple title to property; and operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection.

Who is eligible to apply for funding?
Probably you! States may provide grants to organizations, agencies, municipal agencies, state agencies, federal agencies, and other government entities. This includes conservation organizations, private operators of recreational facilities, public education institutions, public utilities, state universities, Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Fish & Wildlife Service, local tribal governments and more!

Is there a matching requirement?
Yes. The RTP requires the project sponsor to provide a minimum 20% match. RTP funds can pay for up to 80% of the total project cost. The match can come from a variety of sources including donations, labor, materials, services, cash, and more. Project sponsors may apply other federal funds to the match so long as the total federal funding does not exceed 95% of the total project cost. The project sponsor must secure the match before applying for a Recreational Trails grant.

Do NEPA requirements apply to this program?
Yes. All project applications must demonstrate the project is in compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Many Recreational Trails projects will qualify as a Categorical Exclusion under NEPA. It is the applicant's responsibility to comply with NEPA requirements. For more information about categorical exclusions see the FHWA web page at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/ce_clist.htm.  Please feel free to call the Recreational Trails Program Manager at State Parks to help you determine NEPA requirements for your project prior to submitting your application!

Do SHPO requirements apply to this program?
State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) requires clearance for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Documentation for SHPO Section 106 evaulation will be included in the application packet. Please feel free to call the Recreational Trails Program Manager at State Parks to help you determine SHPO requirements for your project prior to submitting your application!

When are applications due?
Completed applications are due by 5:00 p.m., December 1, 2008 for the 2009 round of applications.

Do we need to do anything after we submit our application?
Yes! Be prepared to make a 5-10 minute presentation on the project to the Recreational Trails Committee. Meetings are held in Las Vegas and Reno or Carson City. You will be contacted by the RecTrails Program Manager to schedule a presentation time.

How long does it take before we know if we were selected for funding?
About 3-4 months. Each application goes through an initial review. Then, applications are forwarded to the Ad Hoc Nevada State Recreational Trails Advisory Committee for review. After hearing presentations by applicants, the Committee scores projects and develops recommendations for funding. Nevada State Parks presents the recommendations to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval. This process usually takes 3-4 months and can take longer.

When are funds available for successful applicants?
Usually in March or April. After FHWA approves funding of the recommended projects, Nevada State Parks will mail a Notice to Proceed to each successful applicant. The project sponsor may spend funds detailed in the approved budget AFTER the Notice to Proceed has been issued. This also applies to the matching amount.

I have more questions........
If you have other questions about the Recreational Trails Program in Nevada, contact the RecTrails Manager, Randy Moore at (775) 684-2775 or send an e-mail to rlmoore@parks.nv.gov.