12 SC trail projects receive more than $1M through federal grant program

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 12 South Carolina trail projects were selected to receive funding through the federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Pre-applications are due to SCPRT for the 2025 RTP grant cycle on September 13, 2024.

RTP is a federal program designed to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail use. Since it was established by Congress in 1991, RTP has awarded more than $25 million for trail projects in South Carolina.

The following projects were selected to receive funding in the 2024 grant cycle:

• Totties Place Park Trail Extension, City of Clemson
  Project total: $148,000 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• High Hill Creek Bike and Run Park Extension, City of Florence
  Project total: $143,832 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Wildflower Way - Pedestrian Bridge, PAL (Play. Advocate. Live Well.), Spartanburg
  Project total: $125,000 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Long Cane OHV 2024, USDA Forest Service, Sumter National Forest, Long Cane Ranger District
  Project total: $76,000 | RTP Grant total: $60,800
• River Falls Access Trails, South Carolina State Parks
  Project total: $357,557 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Catawba Bend Preserve Copperhead Mountain Bike Trail System, York County
  Project total: $125,000 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• ReWa Centennial Trail & Swamp Rabbit Trail Improvements, Renewable Water Resources (ReWa)
  Project total: $1,280,500 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Paris Mountain Hughes Tract Trail Expansion, South Carolina State Parks
  Project total: $145,275 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• MUOMP Trail, City of Mullins
  Project total: $125,000 | RTP Grant total: $100,000
• Freewoods Farm Wetlands Preserve and Farm Trail, Freewoods Foundation
  Project total: $56,654 | RTP Grant total: $45,000
• Wambaw Cycle 2024 Enhancement Project, USDA Forest Service, Francis MarionNational Forest
  Project total: $112,500 | RTP Grant total: $90,000
• Culvert Installation for OHV Trail and Tread Work, USDA Forest Service, Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger District
  Project total: $74,500 | RTP Grant total: $57,500

SCPRT administers the program under the approval of the Federal Highway Administration. Eligible entities interested in applying for the 2025 grant cycle must submit their pre-applications online using SCPRT's online Webgrants portal by September 13, 2024.

Quotes:

• "We are thrilled to see more than $1 million federal dollars supporting trails in South Carolina. From serene equestrian paths to the muddy thrills of an ATV track, RTP has benefited countless projects around the state over the past three decades. RTP funding is critically important to the nonprofit and government entities that use these dollars to bolster our recreational opportunities and enhance our quality of life in South Carolina." - Duane Parrish, Director, SCPRT
• "We could not be more excited that York County received funding through the RTP grant to expand our trail network at Catawba Bend Preserve. We are in the initial development stages of this 1,900-acre nature preserve and, without this grant, we would not be able to expand the trail network to promote biking opportunities for residents and visitors. This additional trail network will enhance access throughout the preserve and offer more ways to enjoy the natural habitat. The RTP grant provides assistance to entities all across South Carolina to improve our outdoor recreation opportunities and add more miles of trail to projects that otherwise wouldn't be possible." - Katherine Jones, Director, York County Parks and Recreation
• "The Recreational Trails Program is a tremendous asset that provides the needed assistance for local communities in the funding of trails and other amenities that add so much to our communities throughout the state. Without this assistance, the City of Florence would not have been able to accomplish our mountain bike park and additional trail connectors that provide a unique recreational opportunity for our residents and visitors. Our trails are not only necessary for our residents in providing them with quality-of-life amenities and to promote a healthy lifestyle, but they are also a tool in the promotion of our community for economic development." - Clint Moore, Assistant City Manager, City of Florence

2025 RTP grant details:

• Depending on the project type, RTP grants can range from $10,000 ($12,500 total project cost) to $100,000 ($125,000 total project cost). Motorized trail projects may qualify for more.
• 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.
• The project can include constructing new recreational trails, improving or maintaining existing trails, and developing or improving trailheads or trailside facilities.
• Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal governmental agencies, qualified private organizations, and registered nonprofits.
• Applicants must submit pre-applications using SCPRT's online Webgrants portal by September 13, 2024, to be eligible to submit a full application.

Learn more about the Recreational Trails Program at scprt.com/recreation/recreation-grant-programs/recreational-trails-program. Learn more about SCPRT grant programs at scprt.com/grants.

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