More than $1.7 million awarded for Community Trail Projects across Ohio

Conkle's Hollow

Twenty-four recreational trail projects in communities across Ohio soon will share $1,776,898 in federal grants, based on recommendations made by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Projects funded included both motorized and non-motorized trails.

ODNR Division of Parks and Recreation administers federal grants including the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Non-Motorized Grants, which funds projects that encourages public use of recreational trails by improving access for people with disabilities, creating and maintaining trails and facilities, and educating the public about the environment and trail safety.

"As we expand our network of trails, we hope to link communities by the development of trails across the state," said Division of State Parks chief David Payne. "These projects will create safe and accessible recreation areas that families value and cherish."

The Recreational Trails Program is supported by funding from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use.

Of the 67 RTP grant applications received, 24 were recommended for funding. Twenty of the 24 projects are for non-motorized trails; Ohio State Parks will receive $150,000 for 10 trail projects located across the state.

More than 160 local trail projects across the state have received more than $13 million in federal funds through ODNR since the Recreational Trails Program began in 1993.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.