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RTP in Tennessee

PRO WALK PRO BIKESeptember 15, 2010

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What is the RTP?

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a Federal Highway Administration program funded through the federal gas taxes used by Off Highway Vehicles.

The RTP is administered in Tennessee by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Recreation Educational Service Division.

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RTP in Tennessee

For FY 2010, Tennessee received $1.56 million for the RTP program.

7% for Administration

5% for Education

Remaining funds 30% motorized

30% Nonmotorized

40% Diverse use

RTP in Tennessee

RTP funds are used for both natural and hard surfaced trails located on publicly owned land. On road or sidewalk projects are NOT eligible.

Non profit organizations must be state chartered and have their IRS 501.c.3 status, also must have a written agreement in place with the agency for trail management.

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RTP in Tennessee

Tennessee is on a two year grant cycle.

For 2010, 51 grant applications were received requesting $5.1 million.

28 grants were awarded for $1.9 million.

Grants were made to local, state and federal agencies and 4 non profits.

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RTP in Tennessee

For 2010, Tennessee awarded its first Diverse use, Motorized and Non-motorized trail grant.

Also funded the final phase of a bike/ped trail that will terminate at a light rail transit station.

Also partial funding of a 6.4 mile Rail-to-Trail project connecting two cities in SE Tennessee.

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RTP in Tennessee

The 2010 RTP application criteria:

Mandatory items:

Project summary,

Planning process,

Project environmental sustainability,

Management systems.

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RTP in Tennessee

Scoring Criteria:

Connections 0-30 points

Partnerships 0-20 points

Volunteerism 0-20 points

Diverse use 0-15 points

On site visit 0-15 points

Did have a Pre-Application process in 2009, which could provide 5 points and get the CE approved.

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RTP in Tennessee

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RTP in Tennessee

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RTP in Tennessee

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RTP in Tennessee

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RTP in Tennessee

Friends of Beaman Park received a RTP grant to build ADA accessible trails at this park.

All work is primarily being accomplished by volunteer labor and with Metro Parks staff.

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RTP in Tennessee

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RTP in Tennessee

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Local Park and Recreation Fund (LPRF)50%/50% grant to match for cities and counties. TDEC administers this program on a 2 year grant cycle to local governments. Can fund land acquisition, park and recreation projects and greenway trail projects.

Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)

Legislation is currently pending in Congress that would fund a state and local grant program to acquire and develop outdoor recreation areas and greenway trails.

Other TN Funding Opportunities

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For more resources, go to:

TDEC, Recreation Educational Services (RES) http://tn.gov/environment/recreation/grants

RES Greenways and Trails Programhttp://tn.gov/environment/recreation/greentrails.shtml

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For more Information

Contact Bob Richards

TN Greenways and Trails Program Coordinator

615-532-0753

or Robert.richards@tn.gov