Resources
For policies and funding in your State, consult the State RTP Administrators List to find program contacts and websites: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/rtpstate.htm.
The Coalition for Recreational Trails presents awards each year for outstanding projects funded through state RTP grants. The “Youth Conservation/Service Corps” award is one of several categories intended to highlight effective use of RTP funding: www.americantrails.org/awards/CRTawards.html.
For many resources on trail planning, design, construction, management, accessibility, funding, training, for both motorized and nonmotorized trails, see the National Trails Training Partnership Resources & Library at www.americantrails.org/resources/index.html.
FHWA encourages project sponsors for trail projects to use the accessibility guidelines proposed in the Access Board’s Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Accessibility for Outdoor Developed Areas Final Report found at www.access-board.gov/outdoor/outdoor-rec-rpt.htm. Projects within highway or street rights-of-way should use accessibility guidelines proposed by the Access Board for Public Rights-of-Way:http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/.
The FHWA Transportation Enhancement Activities site program details. See:http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/index.htm
The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) provides TE project examples, a database of TE projects, resources for using TE funds, and links to State TE contacts and programs: www.enhancements.org.
The Corps Network, the voice of the nation’s 135 service and conservation corps, provides resources and links to member organizations: www.CorpsNetwork.org.
Maine’s “Recreational Trail Grant Program 2009 Application” includes a list of goals that are good examples of the elements addressed by a wide range of successful projects across the country:
- Trails that provide linkages with existing or planned networks
- Trails that serve a wide spectrum of users
- Proposals that address landowners’ concerns
- Trails that provide relatively high use levels
- Proposals that provide “close-to-home” trails
- Proposals that enhance tourism and economic development
- Proposals that facilitate trail use for youngsters, seniors, and persons with disabilities
- Projects that are well planned
- Trails that are destination-oriented
- Trails that further SCORP [Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan] or other established planning goals
- Multiple use trail projects that address conflicts between user groups
- Proposals that have adequate matching resources
- Proposals that consider operation and maintenance needs
- Projects that leverage other private and public funding sources
- Projects that rehabilitate existing, well-used trails
- Projects that preserve rights-of-way for public recreation purposes
- Trails that provide high levels of user safety
- Trails that provide aesthetic or cultural benefits to users
- Projects that provide for reasonable longevity
