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Applications are now open for the next round of RTP grant funding

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) is pleased to announce that eight South Carolina trail projects were selected to receive funding through the federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP). SCPRT is now accepting pre-applications for the 2024 RTP grant cycle.

RTP is a federal program designed to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail use. Eligible entities include state, federal, and local government agencies, as well as qualified private organizations. The following projects were selected to receive funding in the 2023 grant cycle from a competitive pool of 23 applicants:

• Lake Whelchel Trail Expansion, Cherokee County
  Project total: $125,350 | RTP Grant total: $98,000
• Jack White Trail Extension, City of Rock Hill
  Project total: $125,000 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Nicholtown Mountain Bike and Hike Trails, City of Greenville
  Project total: $200,000 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Renaissance Park Trail Improvements, Union County
  Project total: $125,000 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Sullivan’s Island Beachfront Nature Trail, Town of Sullivan’s Island
  Project total: $200,000 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Edwin M. Griffin Paved Trail Expansion, PAL (Play. Advocate. Live Well.), Spartanburg
  Project total: $777,546 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Lynch’s Woods Trail Improvements, Newberry County
  Project total: $55,500 | RTP Grant total: $44,398
• Wambaw Cycle 2023 Enhancement Project, USDA Forest Service, Francis Marion National Forest
  Project total: $35,000 | RTP Grant total: $28,000

SCPRT administers the program under the approval of the Federal Highway Administration. We anticipate awarding a few additional 2023 RTP projects after completing the project review process. Eligible entities interested in applying for the 2024 grant cycle must submit their Pre-Applications online using SCPRT Grants by September 15, 2023.

Quotes:

• “Outdoor recreation is booming as communities around the state are putting a higher priority on preserving our natural treasures and enhancing public access to these places. The Recreational Trails Program is helping projects come to fruition from the mountains of Greenville to the beaches of Sullivan’s Island, and that’s good news for our citizens and for our visitors.” – SCPRT Director, Duane Parrish
• “Sullivan’s Island represents a unique government, community, and ecosystem where every effort has been made to balance important issues. The community is respectful of the people of South Carolina who own our beaches and make investments in providing ADA access to that resource. We are ever mindful of our stewardship of this resource for our state’s residents and for the visitors who travel to enrich their lives in this unique habitat. The trails and beach paths are both access and are carefully crafted (and maintained) opportunities for views, ocean shore and the historic structures that are part of the National Park.” – Town Councilman Gary Visser, Sullivan’s Island Beachfront Nature Trail, Town of Sullivan’s Island
• “The RTP grant provides significant assistance to Cherokee County to expand its trail system and promote more hiking, biking, and walking opportunities for its residents and visitors who wish to take advantage of the county’s scenic, cultural, and historic resources.” – Paul R. LeFrancois, Ph.D., Overmountain Victory Trail Steering Committee Chair, Lake Whelchel Trail Expansion, Cherokee County
• “The walking trail was always a part of the dream for this property. There are a lot of people who have passed on that supported the park from its inception … [This] project has really grown into something very special for our County!” – Curtiss Hunter, Union County Tourism Director, Renaissance Park Trail Improvements, Union County

Recreational Trails Program grant information and eligibility criteria:

Projects were evaluated in terms of their overall quality, need, public support, and planning process; whether adequate resources are available to execute the project; and whether resources are available to adequately manage, maintain and operate the project after completion. Priority is given to trail projects providing connections or extensions for trail systems that are at least 10 miles long and projects in low-income areas.

• Funding is provided on a cost-reimbursement basis. The grant recipient must pay 100% of the cost of an item before submitting a reimbursement request for 80% of eligible costs.
• Funds can be spent on both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail projects. The project can include constructing new recreational trails, improving or maintaining existing trails, developing or improving trailhead or trailside facilities, and acquiring trail corridors.
• Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal governmental agencies, qualified private organizations, and registered nonprofits.

Find additional award criteria, eligibility information, and learn more about the Recreational Trails Program pre-application process at scprt.com/recreation/recreation-grant-programs/recreational-trails-program. Learn more about SCPRT grant programs at scprt.com/grants.

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