The Kentucky Department for Local Government is accepting 2026 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) applications. RTP is a Federal Highway Administration federal-aid program administered by Kentucky DLG for acquisition of property and development or maintenance of recreational trails, trailheads and trailside facilities.
Funding and Match
The minimum grant request is $25,000 and the maximum is $250,000. RTP funds up to 80% of eligible total project cost, with a required 20% applicant match.
Eligibility and Project Types
The current application classifies eligible project sponsors as city, county, state agency or federal agency applicants. Eligible project types in the 2026 application include construction of new trails, maintenance or restoration of existing trails, restoration of areas damaged by trail use or back-country terrain, development of trailhead and trailside facilities, urban trail linkages, acquisition of easement or property, and accessibility features facilitating trail use by persons with disabilities. The application supports motorized, non-motorized and mixed-use trail projects, including water trails.
Deadline and Submission
The completed application and attachments are due October 30, 2026 to the Kentucky DLG Office of Federal Grants. The current DLG page and 2026 application do not publish an exact cutoff clock time or time zone, so applicants should verify the live submission instructions before filing.
Readiness Requirements
The 2026 application requires a signed cover letter, location and site maps, detailed budget with supporting cost documentation, property-control evidence, project-site photographs, preliminary environmental review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service review, Section 106/SHPO review, and additional required federal and local-government documentation. Engineering costs must be included in the detailed budget where required by the KYTC Local Public Agency process.
RTP-assisted trails and trailhead or trailside facilities must remain open to the public and be maintained in perpetuity. Leased property must have at least 25 years remaining, and easement projects require appropriate landowner consent and recorded property rights.
Scoring
The current scoring guide rewards trail mileage, multiple trail uses, service to special populations, alignment with local or regional plans, linkages to other trails, greenways, scenic corridors or recreation assets, and Kentucky Trail Town status.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 74/100. This is a useful Kentucky-administered federal pass-through opportunity for eligible public entities with mature trail projects, documented site control, a credible 20% match and environmental/public-process readiness. N9+ Fit Score: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. The controlling materials do not establish a healthcare technology, telehealth, remote physical-examination or clinical-device pathway.