Central ND News

Bismarck, ND – The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department's Recreational Trails Program (RTP) has received 20 applications requesting a total of $3.9 million in project funding grants. This marks the largest amount ever requested in the program’s history.

The RTP has approximately $1 million available to distribute through the Federal Highway Administration. From the applications, five projects were selected by the RTP Advisory Committee to receive funding this year.

The City of Flasher's Historical and Recreational Trails Project seeks $219,070 to develop a 4,045-foot gravel multi-use trail on city-owned property. This trail will connect various community sites and feature interpretive signage about local heritage.

Watford City Park District is requesting $235,008 for a Multi-Use Trail next to McKenzie County Athletic Park. Designed for all-year use by hikers, bikers, runners, and skiers, it aims to be accessible for all abilities with features like berms and bridges.

Lincoln Park District plans to improve pedestrian and bicycle access along 66th Street SE with a 10-foot-wide gravel pathway costing $103,845.60. It will include ADA-compliant crossings to promote active transportation.

Snowmobile North Dakota requests $250,000 for Statewide Trail Grooming Equipment as part of the motorized selection requirement of RTP’s allocation threshold. This equipment is crucial for maintaining North Dakota’s extensive snowmobile trail system.

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department seeks $249,072 for the Little Missouri State Park Trails Reimagined project. It focuses on restoring eroded trails with surface stabilization and drainage repairs.

Char Langehaug, Grants Coordinator, stated: “We’ve seen a remarkable shift in how communities understand and embrace the Recreational Trails Program...a clear sign that more people recognize how these grants can breathe new life into communities.”

Final award amounts will be confirmed once full appropriations are received in March 2026. The next application round is expected to open in April 2026 via Web Grants.

The mission of NDPRD is "to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places." The RTP provides matching grants for recreational trail projects at both state and federal levels through NDPRD and FHWA respectively.