September 2nd, 2022 – 5:20 PM
Georgia Department of Natural Resources –
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources today announced the selection of the Georgia Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants for the construction and rehabilitation of trails. Selected applicants are in the process of completing their final environmental reviews and will begin work soon, which will result in more than $1.5 million of funding to support outdoor access across the state. Grantees will partner with private and public organizations, leveraging the RTP funding into a total estimated investment of approximately $4.2 million for trail projects.
The Recreational Trails Program seeks to support communities in developing recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized & motorized outdoor recreation. RTP funds come from the Federal Highway Trust Fund & represent an estimate of the motor fuel excise tax collected from off-highway recreational use.
2021-2022 Georgia Recreational Trails Program Selected Projects include Bartow and Polk County.
Bartow County – Mountain Bike Trail at Wilderness Camp Greenspace:
Bartow County will construct approximately four miles of intermediate-level mountain biking trails at its Wilderness Camp Greenspace. The intermediate trails will provide a more challenging option for advanced riders and allow beginners to gradually develop their skills. This will improve recreational opportunities for existing mountain bikers while encouraging others to explore mountain biking.
City of Cedartown – Silver Comet Accessibility Improvements and Rehabilitation Project
The Silver Comet Trail (SCT) is a 61.5-mile multipurpose trail that begins just north of Atlanta and travels west until reaching the Alabama state line. The City of Cedartown’s Silver Comet Accessibility Improvements and Maintenance Project consists of two bridge replacements, rehabilitation of existing trail infrastructure, and installing new trail signage.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources conducts biannual grant application cycles for RTP funds. The 14 awardees were selected from 33 project proposals requesting $5.2 million. The complete list of Georgia Recreational Trails Program awards is below. For more information about RTP and these grants, visit www.gadnr.org/rtp.