December 08, 2004 (rt23 news) - (04/137) TRENTON -- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced that the DEP will allocate up to $1.2 million in federal funds to improve and to develop trails statewide.

"Outdoor trails provide residents with many ways to enjoy New Jersey’s outstanding natural resources," Acting Governor Richard J. Codey said. "These grants will help us improve New Jersey’s trail system and provide greater access for everyone."

"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. The trails are located in Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.

DEP 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.

Counties, municipalities and non-profit agencies have until December 15, 2004 to apply for the anticipated 2005 funding. Interested parties can contact the DEP Trails Program at (609) 984-1339. More information is available at http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/natural/njtrails.html.

2004 Recreational Trail Projects