JEFFERSON CITY- Gov. Matt Blunt announced today that 16 trail projects in Missouri will receive approximately $1,102,593 in funding through the federal Recreational Trails Program. The Recreational Trails Program is a federally funded grant program for trail-related land acquisition, development or restoration.

“Missouri is blessed with abundant natural resources and this funding will help ensure the integrity and quality of Missouri’s trails,” Gov. Blunt said. “Missouri trails including the Katy Trail - the crown jewel of our trail system - bring opportunities for families, tourism, health and fitness, and stronger communities.”

“Many of these trails provide a way to explore scenic parts of Missouri as well as provide opportunities for healthy recreation. Our department is proud to be a part of this effort,” said Doyle Childers, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Following is a list of projects receiving grants:

Missouri Parks and Recreation Association, Jefferson City, Missouri Educational Trail Summit, $6,000
Grace Hill Settlement House, St. Louis, St. Louis Riverfront Trail, $99,953
Missouri Department of Conservation, Clifty Creek Natural Area Trail, Pulaski County, $14,780
City of Columbia, MKT Nature/Fitness Trail, $95,549
Ozarks Technical Community College, Springfield, Richwood Creek Trails Project, $99,563
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, White River Trail at Table Rock State Park, Branson, $72,300
Watershed Committee of the Ozarks and Ozark Greenways, Inc., Springfield, Valley Water Mill trail connections, $100,000
Putnam Co. R-I School District, Putnam, Prairie Trail, $99,853
City of Portage des Sioux, Portage des Sioux Trail in St. Charles County, $71,122
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, upgrades to paved trail at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site, Clay County, $48,885
Missouri Department of Conservation, Roubidoux Creek Trail at Roubidoux Creek Conservation Area, Pulaski County, $24,588
City of Wildwood, Wildwood Greenway Phase 7, $100,000
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, resurface Braille Trail at Elephant Rocks State Park, Iron County, $96,482
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, restroom replacement at off-road-vehicle area, St. Joe State Park, Park Hills, $80,000
Midwest Trail Riders Association, Viburnum Trend Riding Area trailhead restroom, Iron County, $74,918
Friends of St. Joe State Park/Missouri Dirt Riders, trail maintenance at St. Joe State Park, Park Hills, $18,600

The 16 grant recipients were chosen from 57 applications and were selected based on recommendations from the Missouri Trails Advisory Board, which represents diverse trail interest groups. The grants were awarded based on the results of a competitive scoring process and the application’s suitability under funding provisions included in Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users. At least a 20 percent match is required by the applicant. A funding requirement targets 30 percent of the funding for motorized trails, 30 percent for non-motorized trails and 40 percent for diversified trail use.

In addition, Gov. Blunt and the Department of Natural Resources also secured through the Ameren Taum Sauk settlement a perpetual license to expand the Katy Trail from Windsor to Pleasant Hill which will result in linking the Katy Trail from St. Louis to Kansas City. The state will receive $18 million for construction of the Katy Trail to Kansas City.

In August, Blunt announced a partnership between his office, the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation to create a new state park in Shannon County. The park will be located on the site of the former Alton Club/ Jerry J. Presley Conservation Education Center, which is currently owned by the Department of Conservation. The property will be transferred to the Department of Natural Resources in 2008.