Grant application period opens for the Recreational Trails Program for Louisiana

The application period for the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program for Louisiana (RTPL) is now open. Grant applications are due no later than Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The program is open to political subdivisions, non-profit organizations and, under certain circumstances, commercial entities.

The RTPL is a state-administered, federal cost-share reimbursement grant program funded by the National Recreational Trails Fund Act (NRTFA) of 1991. Grant recipients must pay 100% of the cost of an item before submitting a request for reimbursement for 80% of the eligible cost.

RTPL grants help states provide and maintain recreational trails such as pedestrian uses (hiking, running, wheelchair use), bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, and other off-road motorized vehicles. Grant funds may be used for acquiring and/or developing outdoor recreational trails and trail facilities.

Since 1993, the RTPL has awarded more than $42 million in grant funding for 472 recreational trails projects throughout Louisiana including motorized (ATVs, OHVs, motorcycles, etc.), bicycle, mountain bike, paddling, equestrian and hiking/walking trails.

For more information about the RTPL, visit the Louisiana State Parks’ Recreational Trails Program webpage.