Recreational Trails Program
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in Nebraska is part of a federal grant program that provides funding to states to develop and maintain recreational trails or to purchase, lease, or rent equipment for trails for a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-road vehicle use. The program is managed at the federal level by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for projects within Nebraska.
RTP grants
The purpose of financial assistance through RTP is to provide recreational public trails and trail-related development and restoration funding to eligible state and local government entities in Nebraska.
Application dates
OPEN – May 4, 2026 at 9 a.m. CT
CLOSE – Aug. 21, 2026 at noon CT
Grant selection
Project selection announcements occur via Nebraska Game and Parks release in late January of the award year.
LWCF & RTP grants webinar
Interested in applying for a Recreational Trails Program or Land and Water Conservation Fund grants? Learn more about RTP and LWCF grants and get helpful tips and instructions about the grant application process by watching our webinar.
New grant portal webinar
Game and Parks is unveiling a new grant management portal for the Recreational Trails Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund grants. Watch our webinar to follow along as we navigate the registration and application process in this new, intuitive system.
What RTP supports in Nebraska
- Accessibility: Projects that improve accessibility for all users, including people with disabilities, are prioritized.
- Trail construction and maintenance: Funding can be used to build new trails or maintain existing ones.
- Signage and trail amenities: This includes creating signage, trailheads, parking areas and other amenities to support users and provide important information.
- Environmental considerations: Projects that address environmental sustainability, such as erosion control and habitat restoration along trails.
- Training and education: Funds may be allocated for training related to trail construction, maintenance, or environmental stewardship.
- Motorized and non-motorized trails: RTP funding can be used for both motorized and non-motorized trail projects, such as ATV, snowmobile, mountain biking and equestrian trails.
Past awarded projects
The RTP selection committee identified the following projects which received approval from the Board of Commissioners to proceed.
- Lower Platte South Natural Resource District will receive $250,000 for the Prairie Corridor Trail, Spring Creek Phase II which consists of constructing a new pedestrian and bicycle trail, approximately 8,000 feet long and 10-foot wide, along with an access road and a trailhead parking lot. The total project cost is estimated to be $529,560.
- City of Norfolk will receive $239,000 for construction of a 2,500-foot perimeter trail in Winter Park and a 60-foot pedestrian bridge to connect Winter Park and 4th Street Park. The total project cost is estimated to be $388,415.
- City of Fairbury will receive $250,000 for rehabilitation of the trail bridge over the Little Blue River. The total project cost is estimated to be $686,036.
- Nebraska State Snowmobile Association will receive $17,000 for educational programs at the 58th Annual International Snowmobile Congress in Omaha which will occur June 3-6 in 2026. The total project cost is estimated to be $24,286.
Contact us
Have questions? Contact the Planning & Development Division.
