Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Connecticut Recreational Trails Funding Information

DEEP's CT Recreational Trails Grants Program
Established in 2015, per CGS Section 23-103, as amended by Public Act No. 15-190, to provide funding to any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments and tribal governments in support of trail projects including:
  • Planning, design and construction of new trails (motorized and non-motorized).
  • Maintenance and restoration of existing trails (motorized and non-motorized).
  • Access to trails by persons with disabilities.
  • Purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment.
  • Acquisition of land or easements for a trail, or for trail corridors.
  • Operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection as related to recreational trails.
Grant amounts vary and will depend upon the availability of currently uncommitted state funds.  Requests should be less than 1 million dollars.  Grants can pay up to 80% of total project costs, a 20% match is required. 
 
Previously funded projects:


2024 Grant Round is now closed.

CT Recreational Trails Grant Application Materials: PDF    WORD

CT Recreational Trails Grant Guidelines: PDF

January 11, 2024 Webinar recording.

 

 

 

Contact: Kimberly Bradley, CT DEEP Trails and Greenways Coordinator at kimberly.bradley@ct.gov or 860-424-3938 with any questions.

The TE Program is administered by the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration. The TE Program offers a source of funds for addressing the needs of non-motorized transportation users. A focus of the State’s program is safety, accessibility and connectivity.

Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP)

The LOTCIP program provides State funds to urbanized area municipal governments in lieu of Federal funds otherwise available through Federal transportation legislation.  Bike and pedestrian projects are eligible.

Community Connectivity Program
The Community Connectivity Program, seeks to improve accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians in urban, suburban and rural community centers.

National Recreational Trails Program (NRTP)
An assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds to the States to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Formerly administered through the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP).  

 

Content Updated September 2024