The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the award of 14 new grants totaling $2.3 million for recreational trails around the state. The selected projects will provide new outdoor recreation opportunities for a variety of trail user groups. A total of 46 applications were received from state, federal, and local governments during this grant cycle totaling $5.3 million in requests.

DNR administers the Recreational Trails Program under the guidance of the Federal Highway Administration. Funding for the program is appropriated by Congress in national highway legislation and is overseen by the Federal Highway Administration. Each year, the DNR offers awards through a competitive grant program. Agencies of state, federal, local government and authorized commissions are eligible to compete. Every recipient is required to match the grant by providing at least 20 percent of the cost of the project.

The Recreational Trails Program funds hiking, biking, and horseback trails, in addition to canoe and kayak launches. Funding is also available for trails that accommodate motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and off-road light trucks.

Congratulations to these new grant recipients:

1. Macon County Board of Commissioners, Whitewater Creek Trail System – $100,000

2. City of Union Point, City of Union Point Firefly Trail – $100,000

3. Spalding County, Quarry’s Edge Hike and Bike Trail at Dundee Park – $100,000

4. Augusta Canal Authority, Pump Station Trail Head – $100,000

5. Polk County Board of Commissioners, Silver Comet Accessibility Improvements and Maintenance Project – $100,000

6. Rockdale County Board of Commissioners, Shared Use Trails of South Rockdale Community Park – $100,000

7. USFS – Chattahoochee – Oconee National Forests, Conasauga Ranger Distr5ict – OHV Trail Maintenance 2017 – 2019 – $70,000

8. DNR – Bush Head Shoals, Bush Head Shoals State ATV Park – $1,103,526

9. City of Toccoa, Lake Toccoa Recreational Trail – $100,000

10. City of Abbeville, Half Moon Walking Trails – $99,980

11. City of Hampton, North Forty Trail, Phase I – $92,608

12. Union County Government, Helton Creek Falls Rehabilitation Trail – $100,000

13. City of Brookhaven, Briarwood Park Nature Trail – $100,000

14. City of Lula, Nature Trails Project – $79,000

The mission of the Department of Natural Resources is to sustain, enhance, protect and conserve Georgia’s natural, historic and cultural resources for present and future generations, while recognizing the importance of promoting the development of commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices.