More Planning Resources

Resources and Library:

Federal Funding Programs

A variety of funding programs relevant to trails and greenways are available from several federal agencies. Also see News & Alerts for current legislation issues, federal legislation and bills in Congress, and a wide range of other funding sources and ideas.

Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds are administered by the Federal Highway Administration from Federal fuel tax. Each state receives an apportionment each year and provides grants for recreational trail projects. For FY2006 states shared in $60 million, increasing to $85 million by FY2009.

The Coalition for Recreational Trails, a federation of national and regional trail-related groups, presents its annual Achievement Awards to trail projects for outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program funds.

Recreational Trails Program is continued intact in MAP-21, new transportation law
"Blueprint" for new transportation bill from House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure includes Recreational Trails, Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and more programs
Nationwide trails community works for reauthorization of the Recreational Trails Program
Apportionments of Recreational Trails Program Funds to States for FY 2009
Changes in RTP state funding for 2009 based on fuel use estimates
Overview of the Recreational Trails Program (2007)
Funding provisions for Recreational Trails Program FY05-09
Recreational Trails Program Legislation
State contacts for the Recreational Trails Program
FHWA guidance to help States and project sponsors meet RTP requirements and provide best practices for trail design, construction, and maintenance
Typical RTP projects: Alaska Recreational Trail Grants Awarded for 2006
Typical State RTP selection rules: CT DEP State Parks Division Guidance for Recreational Trail Grants
Recreational Trails Program Report on State Trail Projects, October 30, 2002 (pdf 1.1 mb)
FHWA funding improves 3,990 trails across America
Recreational Program Trails Database of projects funded under RTP
Report on State Trail Project: funding through the Recreational Trails Program, 1992-1999
Making The Recreation Trails Program Work For You: How States Solicit And Select Projects
Use of funds from the Recreational Trails Program
Recreational Trails Program Apportionments to the States: 1993-2004
How the Recreational Trails Program Works
Detailed discussion of state RTP programs from 1996

Survey finds most Americans support funding for bicycling and walking
S. 303, "America's Great Outdoors Act of 2010," to fund $18 billion for federal lands and programs
The future of trails in federal transportation funding by Eric Beightel, U. S. Department of Transportation
US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood: "we need lawmakers and experts to think creatively about how we're going to fund our transportation infrastructure in the 21st century."
NRPA highlights "Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program."
Active Community Transportation Act of 2010 would fund community investment in walking and bicycling
House and Senate pass FY2010 bill funding the Department of the Interior, EPA and related agencies
Out of Gas: Congress Raids the Highway Trust Fund for Pet Projects While Bridges and Roads Crumble, by Senators Tom Coburn & John McCain
Forest Service announces traill projects for ARRA economic recovery funds
21st Century Youth Conservation Corps initiative proposed by US Department of Interior
"Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood seems to think Americans are going to bike and walk their way out of congestion," from Denver Post

LaHood asks for 18-month reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU to replenish the Highway Trust Fund
Transportation Enhancements funds from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Federal recovery funding drives efforts to invest in trail systems on public land
Programs benefiting trails in the ARRA economic stimulus bill
The Green Society - America's Next 100 Days: Promoting a new American dream through trails
U.S. Transportation Secretary Peters Unveils Bush Administration’s New Approach for America’s Transportation Future
Support Increased Funding for Trails and Recreation in 2009 Federal Budget
Notice of rescission of Federal-aid highway funds apportioned to States, March 4, 2008
Rescissions may affect RTP funding
2008 Legislative and Policy Priorities from the National Recreation and Park Association
New federal funding for trails, greenways, parks, and bike/ped projects, FY05-09
The Path to Nationwide Trail Funding: Preparing to Reach the Summit
Concerns about funding of Transportation Enhancements in SAFETEA bill (Aug. 2003)
Complete text of SAFETEA bill (1 mb)
Analysis of SAFETEA from US Department of Transportation (1 mb)
Key points of SAFETEA from US Department of Transportation 655 kb
ISTEA goes to House and Senate Conference
Top Political Leaders Pledge Support for ISTEA
ISTEA Information Resources
Recommendations for ISTEA from Bikes Belong!
RTP Funds apportioned to states for 2005: federal funding for State trails grants

The "Safe, Accountable, Efficient Transportation Equity Act— a Legacy for Users" (SAFETEA-LU) authorizes spending for fiscal years 2005-09 and replaces TEA 21.