OPRD Accepting Trail Grant Applications, April 3

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has opened the grant cycle for the 2018 Recreational Trails Program (RTP). More than $2.6 million in federally-funded grants is available to construct, expand and improve public trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Eligible applicants include local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, Tribal governments, nonprofits and other government entities that manage public recreation trails. Nonprofits must demonstrate partnerships with land managers and be a registered 501(c)(3) in Oregon for at least three years prior to the application date. Grant funds are available for these project types: construction, heavy restoration, trailhead facilities, equipment purchases, land or easement acquisitions, safety and education, trail assessment for accessibility or maintenance, and water trails. The deadline for letters of intent is April 30. The deadline for grant applications is June 15. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply online: https://oprdgrants.org. Returning applicants can log in using their email address. New applicants must request an account via the online application system. OPRD provides in-person workshops and a webinar to familiarize applicants with the RTP grant process. Materials from the most recent webinar—PDF presentation slides and a video recording—are here: http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRANTS/Pages/trails_apply.aspx. The final in-person workshop will be held April 5, 10 a.m. to noon in La Grande. Registration is required for the workshop. Contact Jodi Bellefeuille, RTP grant coordinator, at jodi.bellefeuille@oregon.gov. Content for the workshops and the webinar is the same. More information about RTP can be found online: http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRANTS/Pages/trails_more.aspx. Additional questions can be directed to Jodi Bellefeuille, RTP grant coordinator, at jodi.bellefeuille@oregon.gov or 503-986-0716.