Federal Funding Designated To Revamp OHV Trails
Quad riders
across the U.S.
are in line to see some of their favorite trails revamped thanks to
some newly allocated federal funds. The national government has
designated up to $82.4 million for use in the Recreational Trails
Program in 2014. These funds will go toward upkeep and
revitalization of off-highway trails in 49 states, upgrading public
motorsports locations that are typically populated
with dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles
and other off-highway vehicles.
"As a federal grant program that provides funds to develop and
maintain recreational trails, RTP is vitally needed to continue
expanding and maintaining off-highway opportunities for riders,"
said Wayne Allard, vice president of government relations for the
AMA. "In fact, RTP funds come from excise taxes generated by fuel
purchased for off-highway vehicle recreation ... so that is money
that rightfully belongs to trail users."
Florida was the only state to opt out of receiving RTP funds. While
there are some restrictions on how the other 49 states use the
money - 30 percent must go toward motorized trails, 30 percent to
nonmotorized paths and 40 percent to mixed trails - all areas will
be allowed some flexibility when decided which specific trails to
improve.