Funds awarded to enhance state’s trails

Gov. James. E. McGreevey recently announced $700,000 for improvements to state and local trail projects.

The funds are for 2003 projects that include the development, construction and restoration of a variety of trail sites as recommended by the New Jersey Trails Council and were approved by the Federal Highway Administration under the Recreational Trails Program as part of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.

The Trails Council is comprised of representatives from hiking, mountain biking, motorized, canoeing and horseback riding interest groups, as well as several general trail advocates and representatives from state government.

In Monmouth County, projects approved for 2003 include $4,500 for trail restoration at Allaire State Park, Wall Township; and $25,000 for the Horse Park of New Jersey, Upper Freehold Township, for new access to the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area. Grant recipients must provide a 20 percent match for each trail project.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Natural Lands Management administers the federal trails grant program. Applications for the 2004 funding are due by Dec. 17. Federal, state, county and local governments and nonprofit agencies are eligible to apply for funding. To receive a grant application, call the DEP’s Trails Program at (609) 984-1339.