Recreational Trails Program

SCPRT administers the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) under the approval of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). RTP, a federally funded program, receives its funding from a portion of federal gas taxes paid on fuel used in nonhighway recreational vehicles.

  • Funding is provided by this program on a cost-reimbursement basis — the grant recipient must pay 100% of the cost of an item before submitting a reimbursement request for up to 80% of the eligible costs.
  • Funds can be spent on both Motorized and Nonmotorized recreational trail projects — to construct new recreational trails, improve/maintain existing trails, develop/enhance trailhead or trailside facilities, and acquire trail corridors.
  • Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal governmental agencies, qualified private organizations, and registered nonprofits.
  • Individual trail grants can range from a minimum of $10,000 ($12,500 would be the total project cost) to $100,000 maximum ($125,000—total project cost), except for Motorized projects.
  • Motorized trail projects are not limited to $100,000 — these projects are eligible for the maximum amount of Motorized funding available.

SCPRT now accepting pre-applications for RTP Education grant funding

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) is inviting interested eligible entities to submit pre-applications for educational grant funding assistance from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The deadline for submission is August 12, 2024.

RTP educational grants support the development and dissemination of publications and educational programs that promote safety and environmental protection as they relate to the use of recreational trails and provide trail-related training. Examples of eligible projects include training workshops on sustainable trail design, construction and maintenance, first aid certification training, and environmental education interpretive signage.

Eligibility:

  • Eligible entities include state, federal, and local government agencies, as well as qualified private organizations.
  • The maximum RTP educational grant amount is $10,000 and the minimum amount is $1,000.
  • Eligible projects must be completed within the 2025 federal fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025).

Quick and easy pre-applications are due August 12 and must be submitted using SCPRT’s online Webgrants portal.

Find relevant information on the upcoming 2025 RTP grant cycle and previous cycles below:

Various forms and guidance for RTP project sponsors:

Procurement Certification Form | Reimbursement Request Form (PDF) | Reimbursement Request Form (Excel) | Individual Volunteer Timesheet | Group Volunteer Timesheet | FEMA Equipment Form | Project Completion Form | State Procurement Purchase Procedures (Updated 1/14/2022) | Procurement / Reimbursement Checklist | 2022 Project Status Report | 2023 Project Status Report  

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