Extra $1 Million Available for Recreational Trail Program Grants
Recreational trail construction and maintenance efforts in Alaska could be bolstered by an additional $1 million this year, according to the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (DPOR).
Under its Recreational Trails Program (RTP), the division typically offers grants of about $1.2 million a year for trail work in Alaska, says Director Ricky Gease.
Each $1 a grant recipient provides is matched by $9 from the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA). Eligible applicants include nonprofits; educational institutions; Native corporations or tribal governments; and local, state, and federal government agencies.
With additional FWHA money recently becoming available to the state, the division is currently accepting a second round of applications in 2021 for grants totaling approximately $1 million.
“This grant money will be doubly helpful in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gease says. “Not only will it stimulate our economy with an additional $1 million dollars in spending, it will also support the trails so many Alaskans are using for relief from isolation and social distancing.”
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January 2026
The division is especially interested in using this year’s additional money to fund grants of up to $300,000 for projects supporting motorized uses and up to $150,000 for non-motorized uses, Gease says. However, under the grant rules, projects supporting trail safety and education will not be eligible for this second round of grants.
Grant applications must be delivered to the division by 4 p.m., on Friday, April 30. Application packages are available at: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/grants/trails.htm.
FY2021 Second Round Program Schedule
- March 1 – The current application becomes available online at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/grants/trails.htm.
- March 30 – Deadline for mandatory public notice of the grants.
- April 30 – Applications are due.
- May 17 – Qualified applications are sent to the Outdoor Recreational Trails Advisory Board (ORTAB) for review.
- June 8-9 – ORTAB meets to do scoring of qualified applications.
- June – Applications recommended for award are forwarded to FHWA for review.
- June – August: Award and grant agreements are signed and implemented.
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We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!