Five trail and outdoor recreation projects across North Dakota will receive nearly $1 million in funding through the state’s Recreational Trails Program, a grant initiative administered by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department with financial support from the Federal Highway Administration.
According to an article by Grand Forks Herald, the funding comes after an unprecedented surge in interest, with the department receiving 20 applications totaling $3.9 million—the highest amount ever requested in the program’s history.
The projects chosen for funding include a historical and recreational trail in the City of Flasher, a multi-use trail in Watford City, the 66th Street South Pathway in Lincoln, statewide trail grooming equipment for Snowmobile North Dakota, and trail improvements at Little Missouri State Park.
The RTP Advisory Committee evaluated and selected the projects, with expectations that each will receive the full amount requested, although the final award amounts will not be confirmed until the full appropriation is received in March 2026.
“We’ve seen a remarkable shift in how communities understand and embrace the Recreational Trails Program,” said Char Langehaug, grants coordinator for the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.
“This year brought the largest funding requests in the program’s history – a clear sign that more people recognize how these grants can breathe new life into communities and transform outdoor spaces. We’re deeply grateful to the RTP advisory committee for their thoughtful evaluation of so many impactful projects,” Char added.
The next application round is expected to open in April 2026 and will be conducted via the Web Grants platform.
The Recreational Trails Program operates as an 80/20 matching grant and supports both motorized and non-motorized projects such as trail construction, restoration, accessibility upgrades, trailhead facility development, and trail maintenance equipment purchases.
This funding announcement is especially relevant to outdoor recreation as enhanced trail infrastructure boosts tourism, camping, and travel by increasing destination appeal, attracting more travelers, and supporting economic growth in communities that depend on outdoor activity.