$1.6M in Trail Construction Grants Available For Towns In Morris

RANDOLPH, NJ — Morris County is giving out nearly $1.6 million in grants for recreational trails to its 39 municipalities. Applications are now open.

The Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program is now in its sixth year and has already issued over $3.3 million to build and enhance a growing network of local trails since 2016.

The program funds the construction of new trails, as well as the enhancement of existing ones. Municipalities are required to match 20% of the cost in contributions towards their other trail projects.

“The value of this program certainly proved itself when the pandemic hit us last year," county director commissioner Stephen Shaw said. "People saw the trail system as a refuge to get out with their family, to get fresh air and exercise, and to get their minds off the pandemic."

There are a few changes to this year's program. For example, funding will be available during the design and permitting phases and grantees will have two years to complete projects.

There will be a virtual workshop next Thursday to review the overall program and application process. It's going to run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and a video of the event will be available afterward.

Letters of intent are due in June and full applications by July.

More information about the program is available here.