Evan from the Division of Outdoor Recreation briefed the council about the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and how it might be used to leverage state OHV funds.
"The apportionment this year was 1,561,000.0 essentially this year. So... we have $780,926 available to each to both the motorized and the non motorized categories," Evan said, adding that the motorized category has been underutilized historically but applications have increased this year (10 applications so far).
Evan and Wade Allinson discussed the possibility of recommending that certain OHP applications be submitted to RTP when appropriate. Evan warned that RTP is a federal program and that NEPA or related federal review pathways can add time or additional requirements for infrastructure projects, while equipment purchases and education projects have simpler NEPA implications. He also asked council members to complete a Doodle poll for scheduling RTP scoring; proposed dates run April 13–24 and he suggested after‑work start times (around 5 p.m.) to accommodate volunteers.
Why it matters: RTP can provide an alternate or matching funding source for projects, expanding the pool of resources available for trail maintenance, equipment and acquisition. But moving a project to RTP can change timelines and compliance requirements, and applicants must be informed of those implications.
Next steps: Council members should complete the Doodle poll so staff can finalize an evening scoring session in mid‑April and identify projects that could be moved or jointly pursued through RTP.