TDEC Announces $20 Million in Local Parks and Recreation Fund and Recreational Trails Program grants

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) Office of Outdoor Recreation today announced $18,490,470 in grants from the Local Parks and Recreation Fund and $1,760,000 from the Recreational Trails Program for parks and recreation for 19 communities across Tennessee.

The Office of Outdoor Recreation is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) on several projects to make the funding accessible for local communities by providing a portion of the match through the Grant Opportunity Fund (GO Fund).

For this round of projects, GO Fund, which is only accessible to distressed and at-risk rural communities, awarded $6.8 million in matching dollars.

The Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) provides state funding to match local government investments for communities for the purchase of lands for parks, natural areas, greenways, and recreation facilities. The funds may also be used for trail development and capital projects in parks, natural areas, and greenways. This grant requires an equal match of funds.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federally funded, state administered grant program that provides grant funding for land acquisition for trails, non-routine trail maintenance, trail construction, trail rehabilitation and for trail head support facilities. The funds are distributed in the form of an 80 percent grant with a 20 percent match based on the total project amount.

“These grants are a smart investment in Tennessee’s communities, expanding outdoor recreation opportunities while preserving the natural resources that make our state special,” said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. “By partnering with the Department of Economic and Community Development, we can better assist our rural communities and help them create outdoor spaces that will make a real difference in people’s daily lives.”

“These funds will create meaningful opportunities for distressed communities by providing access to resources that might otherwise be out of reach,” said Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “We are grateful to partner with TDEC in helping bring these projects to fruition and furthering Gov. Bill Lee’s commitment to investing in and strengthening rural Tennessee.”

Grants Announced Today