New Jersey Trails Will Benefit By $1.2 Million In Federal Funds
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley Campbell said Monday that his agency will spend up to $1.2 million in federal funds to improve and to develop trails statewide.
“The Recreational Trails Program provides the public with recreational use of the state’s premiere trail network,” said Campbell. “The grants will improve access to open space, enhance environmental resources and provide additional hiking, biking and horseback riding opportunities.”
DEP will award $528,000 for the development, construction and restoration of 32 trail sites recommended for funding by the New Jersey Trails Council and approved by the Federal Highway Administration.
State agency also has reserved almost $165,000 for the development of future motorized trail projects.
In addition to projects already funded, DEP expects to make available up to $700,000 in additional federal grants in 2005 contingent upon congressional reauthorization of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Surface Transportation Bill. These grants will be administered through a competitive process, with recipients required to provide 20 percent in matching funds.
