South Dakota State Parks Director Doug Hofer announced today that applications are being accepted for grants from the Recreation Trails Program (RTP) for trail projects sponsored by municipalities, counties, state parks, civic organizations or tribal governments.

“Many hiking and bike trails sustained damage due to flooding in 2011,” Hofer said. “This grant offers a good opportunity to apply for assistance in repairing those damaged trails.”

The Recreational Trails Program provides partial reimbursement for approved trail projects. Eligible projects include constructing new public trails, rehabilitating existing public trails, developing trail-related facilities, and educational programs that specifically address recreational trail issues. The application deadline is Friday, April 13, 2012.

RTP funds come to the state through the Federal Highway Administration, and are apportioned to states by Congress to fund both motorized and non-motorized public recreation trail projects. The amount of funds available is based upon the number of recreational vehicles licensed in each state.

Application packets are available online at the Game, Fish and Parks website. For more information, contact Grants Coordinator Randy Kittle at 605.773.5490 or by e-mail at randy.kittle@state.sd.us.