Green Space Grant Opportunities

The Recreation Trails Grant Program is funded by the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. In Rhode Island, the program is administered by the Department of Environmental Management in cooperation with the RI Department of Transportation. The goal of the program is to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities. More information about the Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trail Program

Eligible applicants include:

• Government agencies (state, local, and federal)
• Other governmental bodies created under State law (e.g. land trusts, watershed councils, public school districts, etc.)
• Federally recognized Native American tribes
• Not for profit organizations

The purpose of the program is to provide funding for recreational trail projects such as the development of new trails, improvement or restoration of existing trails, and development of trail-side and trailhead facilities and trail linkages. Ineligible activities (those not eligible for funding) include projects on trails not open to the general public, research and planning projects, and landscaping except for the purposes of erosion control, bioremediation, or re-establishment of native vegetation. 

Once a new grant round is announced, application instructions will be posted on the DEM website at www.dem.ri.gov/plangrants.

The Rhode Island Trails Advisory Committee (TAC) will evaluate each application and will recommend funding for the highest scoring projects. The TAC seeks strong projects that:

• Construct off-road recreational trail connections
• Serve the diversity of Rhode Island residents
• Fill critical gaps in existing trail networks
• Have a detailed and reasonable budget and strong local match• Are ready for implementation – environmental and permitting challenges have been identified and alternatives and solutions have been fully explored
• Respond to climate change impacts and employ resiliency methods to protect the resources
• Provide access for users of all fitness levels
• Provide access for users of all ages and abilities

Allowable costs are those that are necessary for the safe and efficient completion of the project and that have been outlined in the grant application “scope of work” and approved by the Trail Advisory Committee.

It depends. If the project impacts a wetland or other area where regulations require a permit, then yes, a permit is required. A review of cultural resources and endangered species may also be required. It is the grantee’s responsibility to obtain all permits that may be required and to meet all requirements of those permits.

Permitting can be a lengthy process. In order to ensure projects are completed within the grant period, it is important that the permit process be started as early as possible. Application materials should include a reasonable timetable for all elements of the project, including permitting.

The federal share of the grant is limited to up to eighty (80) percent of total (eligible) project costs; at least twenty (20) percent of the project cost must be contributed by the grantee or other qualifying sources. This can be cash match (payment of expenses) or donations of materials and services (including volunteer labor). Only expenses in the approved scope of work are eligible for reimbursement, up to a maximum of 80% of the eligible project costs, up to the grant award.

Track expenses as you go. Grantees must follow the same policies and procedures used by state and local government. This includes obtaining quotes for purchases, invoices for materials and services, and submitting canceled checks or bank statements documenting payment. Volunteer match must be documented using sign in sheets listing the project, participants name, the task performed, as well as the number of

hours worked.

When the project is complete, submit copies of quotes, paid invoices, and proof of payment (bank statements and/or front and back of canceled checks).

The project must be completed within the Project Performance Period listed in the grant contract. Keep in mind that no work on the project may begin until the grantee has received an authorization start date.

Grantees must file status reports every 6 months.