Recreational Trails Receive Funding

PIERRE – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has awarded Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding to several cities, trail groups and state parks totaling over $1.1 million.

The five-person citizen RTP Advisory Council reviewed the applications and made the recommendations to Gov. Daugaard. The federal assistance program provides up to 80 percent reimbursement for trail-related development and maintenance projects.

The following applicants were awarded grants for trail construction and upgrades:

Aberdeen – Moccasin Creek Recreational Trails, $95,800
Deadwood – Whitewood Creek Trail & Boardwalk Rehabilitation, $60,000
Dell Rapids – Sioux River Red Rock Trail, Dam Site, $100,000
Elk Point – Recreational Trail, $24,903

Additional grants were awarded for trail improvement projects at the following locations: Bear Butte State Park, George S. Mickelson Trail and the Black Hills Snowmobile Trail System.

“The sponsors of these projects have thoroughly demonstrated their commitment to improving our communities, parks and recreation areas,” said Gov. Daugaard. “These funds will aid them in their efforts to benefit South Dakotans and future generations.”

The Recreational Trails Program is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered in South Dakota by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The funds come from the Federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use.

For more information on this program, contact Randy Kittle, grants coordinator, at 605.773.5490 or by email at randy.kittle@state.sd.us.