Note: Due to the current funding situation, Montana State Parks will not be offering a Special Set-Aside Grant for the Recreational Trails Program 2012 grant cycle.

Current Funding Availability

The Surface Transportation Bill has yet to be reauthorized and the U.S. Congress has passed Extension Acts to partially fund the Recreational Trails Program since October 1, 2009.  Funding for the entire Recreational Trails Program may continue incrementally until appropriations legislation is passed, which may be another few months or more. 

Future Funding Possibilities

Montana’s RTP Program is entirely federally funded.  The current uncertainty at the Federal level has resulted in both a significantly reduced funding allocation for Montana and final notifications are being received much later than typical grant cycles.  Should additional Federal funding for this cycle of RTP grants be made available at some future date, the Special Set-Aside account may receive supplemental funds.  Please note there is no guarantee of future Federal appropriations for the Recreational Trails Program unless Congress reauthorizes the Transportation Bill. 

Set-Aside History

A few years ago, the State Trails Advisory Committee voted to put some RTP money into a Special Project Set-Aside Account to be used by FWP to support large trail projects of regional significance. The first use of this account was to support the City of Lewistown in its rail-trail project between Lewistown and Moore. Since then, several other regional projects have been funded. Non-motorized and diversified portions of RTP funds have contributed to the Special Set-Aside account.

Set-Aside Guidelines

• Project applications will only be accepted when funding is available.
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• Only RTP-eligible sponsors may apply for the Special Set-Aside Grant.
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• The project must be on-the-ground work on a trail. The following projects are not eligible to receive a Special Set-Aside Grant:
  • educational projects
  • brochures
  • displays
  • routine winter, snow-trail grooming (snowmobile, X-country ski, etc.)
  • trail rangers
  • basic trail maintenance or brushing
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• Project must be large enough to have regional significance in Montana.
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• Project must be large enough in total project costs that a standard RTP grant would be insufficient.
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• If no project applications are received for a Special RTP Set-Aside Grant in a given year, or if none of the applications are appropriate or score high enough to be awarded, the account will continue to accrue funds until the money is used.
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• Applications are due at the same time as all RTP applications; deadline is typically July 1 each year.
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• The applicant will be expected to present a full and complete RTP application that describes the entire project, and specifies all funding details.
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• The minimum match will remain at 20% of total project costs.
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