Committee unanimously approves Recreational Trails Program recommendations

The Utah Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee voted unanimously April 1 to approve the slate of projects recommended by its RTP scoring panel, moving the awarded projects to the next step for funding and administrative review. The committee’s vote followed a presentation by Evan Veitch, manager of the state Recreational Trails Program, who said the panel reviewed 47 applications (42 non-motorized, 5 motorized) and recommended projects using available RTP funds. The approved package totals about $2.53 million in recommended awards from an approximately $5.0 million RTP pot. Veitch told the committee applications were competitive and that several projects received reduced awards so the program could fund a broader set of priorities. Committee members asked for lists showing which projects received partial awards or were not funded; Veitch agreed to distribute those lists by the end of the meeting. Committee members discussed program transparency and urged staff to make clear in award letters when projects are funded at reduced amounts. The motion to approve the RTP recommendations was made by Erin O’Brien and seconded by Scott Strong; the chair called the question and recorded unanimous approval. The committee also announced new staff and administrative updates for the division, including a compliance specialist to help manage grant reporting, signage and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) follow-up. The RTP award recommendations now move to contract and award processing by Division staff and partner agencies; applicants will be notified of final award amounts and any conditions.