newjerseynewsroom.com

State DEP funding 48 projects with federal matching funds

BY JOE TYRRELL

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Parks and open-space groups looking for presents to unwrap could find federal aid headed down the trail to them, and bringing improvements.

The New Jersey state Department of Environmental Protection announced it will funnel $1 million in matching funds next year to improve trail access to open space, enhance environmental resources and create corridors fro more hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Government agencies and non-profit groups have until Dec. 15 to apply for the aid, administered through the DEP's Office of Natural Lands Management. Those interested in additional information and applications can call the trails program at (609) 984-1339 or visit www.trails.nj.gov.

The DEP will require applicants to provide 20 percent matches as part of their competitive proposals.

These funds will follow the release of $833,109 this fall to 48 trail projects around New Jersey through the Federal Highways Aministration's recreational trails program. Recipients got up to $25,000 for work ranging from trail extensions to handicapped access.

Projects included $25,000 to Monmouth County Parks to develop a trail between Hartshorne Woods Park to a newly acquired section bordering Claypit Creek.

The non-profit New Jersey Youth Corps of Plainfield got $25,000 to work with the Union County Parks Department to improve and maintain a trail through Green Brook Park.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received $23,774 to develop a two-mile, disabled-access beach boardwalk trail in Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. In Merchantville, $25,000 will go to extend and upgrade the Chestnut Avenue pedestrian path and bikeway along an abandoned railroad right-of-way to provide regional connections.

As required by law, the DEP is reserving 30 percent of the federal funds for future motorized recreational trail projects.

The complete list of this fall's 48 projects:

Bergen County

Meadowlands Conservation Trust, Richard P. Kane Natural Area: $21,880

Palisades Interstate Park Commission, Southern Trails Extension: $21,070

Camden County

Cooper's Ferry Development Association, Wiggins Park Trail Restoration: $25,000

Merchantville Borough, Chestnut Avenue Pedestrian/Bikeway Extension: $25,000

Cape May County

Cape May National Wildlife Refuge, Two-Mile Beach Unit Boardwalk Trail: $23,774

Essex County

Livingston Township, Trail Maps and Signage: $9,150

South Mountain Conservancy Inc., Trail Repairs and Signage: $24,875

Hudson County

Hudson County, Hudson River Waterfront Walkway: $25,000

Hunterdon County

Alexandria Equestrian Association Inc., Schick Reserve Trails: $12,500

Readington Township, Trail Network: $19,600

Mercer County

Friends of Howell Living History Farm, Baldpate Mountain History Trail: $25,000