OPRD release – SALEM, Ore— The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Advisory Committee will meet March 8 and 9 to evaluate grant applications from around the state for projects to develop, improve or expand recreational trails. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) administers this federally funded grant program. The meeting is open to the public, but there is no time allocated for public comments during this meeting. The committee will evaluate 24 applications over the two days. The meeting will be held in person with an option to attend via Zoom. View the agenda for meeting information and a list of project proposals: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Documents/RTP-Grant-Meeting-March-2023.pdf The RTP Advisory Committee will submit recommendations to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for review and approval at their April meeting. OPRD will then forward approved project proposals to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval. The RTP Advisory Committee consists of 10 volunteer members who represent various user groups and land managers. Eligible RTP applicants include state agencies, federal land management agencies, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, cities, counties and park and recreation districts. RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. The program provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized trail uses, including hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving or using other off-road motorized vehicles. For more information contact Jodi Bellefeuille, program coordinator, at 503-856-6316 or Jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or visit the RTP webpage on the OPRD website.
