Partnerships — In 2019, FHWA had a cooperative agreement with the PNTS to perform a two-year gap analysis and corridor protection research project. FHWA also had an Interagency Agreement with the BLM to complete a methodology to develop an inventory and monitoring program for trails.
Funding — Some national scenic and historic trail projects may be eligible for Federal-aid highway funds, especially under the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). These programs provide funds to the States, and the States solicit and select projects for funding. Sample projects in funded or completed in 2019 included:
- Alaska funded a project to purchase and install trail fabric to build out and improve a one and a half mile section of the Iditarod National Historic Trail in Girdwood, to correct erosion issues and ensure sustainability of the trail.
- Maryland funded a project to install solar-powered LED lighting in the 955-foot Borden Tunnel on the Greater Allegheny Passage, part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
- New Jersey funded a project for expansion and improvements to an Appalachian National Scenic Trail parking lot, which will enhance safety and increase available public access to the trail within Wawayanda State Park.
- New York completed a rehabilitation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail through Bear Mountain State Park, which included a reroute to minimize impacts to the landscape and installation of stone steps.
- Oregon funded a project for the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), Northwest Youth Corps, and volunteers to reroute and reconstruct severely eroded sections of the trail in the popular Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area. The funds supported the youth corps, season PCTA trail technicians, and tools and materials.
- South Carolina funded the Cherokee Ford Road Trail project featuring a nature trail that crosses the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, where the Patriot army crossed the Broad River.