Jefferson City, MO – Eleven trail projects in Missouri will receive approximately $1.3 million funding through the federal Recreational Trails Program.The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded grant program for trail-related land acquisition, development or restoration. In Missouri, Recreational Trails Program funds are administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration.

“Missourians are blessed with abundant parks and recreation areas. It is important to support these natural resources and preserve them for years to come,” Gov. Jay Nixon said. “These trails provide opportunities for families and children to enjoy time together, as well as connecting them with their community.”

The grant recipients were chosen from 31 applications and were selected based on recommendations from the Missouri Trails Advisory Board, which represents diverse trail interest groups. The grants were awarded based on the results of a competitive scoring process and the application’s suitability under funding provisions included in Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). At least a 20 percent match is required by the applicant. A funding requirement targets 30 percent of the funding for motorized trails, 30 percent for non-motorized trails and 40 percent for diversified trail use.

“These trails provide Missourians access to explore the many natural resources our state offers, as well as providing important fitness opportunities. We are proud to support this program, local communities and healthy lifestyles,” said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Following is a list of Recreational Trails Program grant recipients, along with a list of non-motorized and motorized RTP trail projects and their grant amounts.

2011 RTP Non-Motorized Trail Projects:

•  Missouri State Parks, Statewide – develop, renovate and maintain trails and various trail amenities in Missouri State Parks facilities – $348,821.
• Grace Hill Settlement House, St. Louis County – renovate Riverfront Trail – $67,241.
• City of Columbia Parks and Recreation, Boone County – educational accessible sign system – $20,000.
•  City of Warrensburg Parks and Recreation, Johnson County – construct a primitive trail at Lions Lake – $100,000.
•  Ozark Trail Association, Shannon County – construct backcountry hiking trail in Roger Pryor Backcountry – $73,575.
•  City of Kansas City Public Works Department, Jackson County – construct Riverfront Heritage Trail Beardsley Road Connector – $100,000.
•  City of Belton, Cass County – Cleveland Avenue Regional Lake Development trail construction – $95,149.
• City of Greenville, Wayne County – construct a trail connecting the city to Wappapello Lake – $71,913.
•  State of Missouri/Office of Administration, Cole County – construct trail to connect to the Missouri State Penitentiary Trail – $100,000.

2011 RTP Motorized Trail Projects:

•  Midwest Trail Riders Association, Iron County – purchase equipment to maintain existing motorized trails – $14,500.
•  Missouri State Parks, Statewide – develop new trails, renovate and maintain existing motorized trails – $400,000.