Ohio's Recreational Trails receive more than $2 million of funding

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) announced that 15 recreational trails in Ohio have been selected to share in $2,015,156 in federal funds through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

“Trails are an important part of Ohio because they let residents spend time outside enjoying a wide variety of activities,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “Maintaining our existing trails and adding new ones allows greater recreational opportunities for all Ohioans.”

RTP funding goes to projects that create and maintain trails and trail support facilities, improve access for people with disabilities and provide education about trail safety and the environment. The projects are evaluated on merits, which include justification of trail need, trail linkages and public participation.

ODNR administers federal grants, which includes the RTP non-motorized and motorized trails. RTP is a reimbursement grant program that provides up to 80 percent of a project’s funding. ODNR received 42 RTP grant applications, and the agency awarded funding to 15 projects statewide. More than 185 local trail projects across the state have received more than $23 million in federal funds through ODNR since RTP began in 1993.

Funding for RTP comes from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration and a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use.