Office of Trails Grant Opportunities

Our office offers two grant programs for both motorized and non-motorized trails. No work should begin prior to having an executed agreement with the department. Some engineering/design expenses may be accepted if prior approval is received from our office.

They are both reimbursement grant programs. In addition to cash, in-kind and donated labor, services, and equipment that are directly being used on the proposed project are eligible for the necessary match (details are available in the application).

The postmark application deadline for both grants is February 1st of each year. Applications received with a postmark later than February 1st will not be accepted.

Our expectation is to announce awards the summer of that year. All contracts with sponsors will be through December 31st of the following year (approx. 18 months).

Listed below is a brief summary of our two grants:

Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

This is a federal program through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The reimbursement rate for the program is 80%. By legislation the funding must be utilized as follows: 40% diverse trails (i.e. motorized and non-motorized, or different types of users under the same classification of motorized or non-motorized), 30% non-motorized trails, and 30% motorized trails.

Eligible applicants include: public townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, state agencies, federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Eligible project scopes include: acquisition of trail corridors (via easement and/or fee purchase), new trail construction, trail maintenance/restoration, purchase/lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment, trailside and trailhead facilities (i.e. restroom and parking), and educational programs promoting trail safety and environmental protection.

Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF)

This is a state funded program. The reimbursement rate for the program is 75%. By legislation the funding will focus on the following: synchronization with the Statewide Trails Plan, completion of regional trails systems and links to statewide trail systems, links in urban areas that support commuter access and show economic impact on local communities, linkage of population centers with public outdoor recreation areas and facilities, and the preservation of natural corridors.

Eligible applicants include: public townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, and non-profit organizations.

Eligible project scopes include: acquisition of trail corridors (via easement and/or fee purchase), new trail construction, trail maintenance/restoration, trailside and trailhead facilities (i.e. restroom and parking), and educational programs promoting trail safety and environmental protection.