The state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation announced $2,609,375 in grants from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) for eight communities across Tennessee. The office, which operates under the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), aims to support local outdoor recreational projects through these grants.
The RTP program provides federal funding to match local government investments for various trail-related projects, including land acquisition, trail construction, trail rehabilitation, and the development of trailhead support facilities.
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“The RTP program is a critical resource to help expand access to outdoor recreational opportunities in our local communities,” said Brian Clifford, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. “We’re excited to support the development and improvement of local trails.”
“Trails are a fun way cities and counties help improve their quality of life, health, and economy,” added Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for the Bureau of Conservation at TDEC. “These funds will help our local communities do more with their outdoor spaces.”
The grants announced are as follows:
| Awardee | County | Amount | Project |
|——————————–|—————|———-|—————————————|
| Access Fund | Marion | $196,975 | Foster Falls Stewardship Initiative |
| City of Crossville | Cumberland | $392,000 | Meadow Park Trailhead Facility |
| Doe Mountain Recreation Authority | Johnson | $392,000 | Trail Development |
| Grainger County | Grainger | $392,000 | County Park ADA Compliant Trail |
| City of Hendersonville | Sumner | $392,000 | Veterans Park Pump Track |
| City of Jackson | Madison | $392,000 | Cypress Grove Boardwalk Replacement |
| Town of Jonesborough | Washington | $392,000 | Lost State Scenic Walkway Expansion |
| Town of Oliver Springs | Roane | $60,400 | Arrowhead Park Improvements |
Details of each award include:
– **Access Fund**: Enhancements to recreational trails in the Foster Falls Recreation Area, including trail building, developing climbing areas, and creating staging areas.
– **City of Crossville**: Development of a trailhead facility at Meadow Park Lake, featuring ADA compliant restrooms, bike racks, and a dog watering station.
– **Doe Mountain Recreation Authority**: Construction of off-highway vehicle trails and hiking/biking/moto trails, along with updated signage.
– **Grainger County**: Construction of an ADA compliant asphalt trail at Grainger County Park, with ADA parking and signage.
– **City of Hendersonville**: Installation of a pump track with ADA sidewalk and parking.
– **City of Jackson**: Replacement of approximately 1,300 feet of boardwalk at Cypress Grove Nature Park, including ADA parking improvements.
– **Town of Jonesborough**: Development of a paved walkway system with two pedestrian bridges connecting parks and residential areas.
– **Town of Oliver Springs**: Asphalt overlay of the walking trail and drainage upgrades to ensure usability and safety.
For more information about the RTP program and how to apply, visit this link.
The Office of Outdoor Recreation aims to unify stakeholders, improve conservation, and enhance access to Tennessee’s outdoor spaces, leveraging the state’s unique outdoor industry and economy for the benefit of all Tennesseans.
Source: Read Original Release
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