Morris County presents 2025 trail funding recommendations: six design and two construction projects proposed

At a Morris County Board work session Thursday, county planning staff presented the 2025 trail funding recommendations, outlining a slate of design and construction grants aimed at expanding the county trail network.

Program staff member 'Betty' said 12 municipalities submitted letters of intent this cycle and eight advanced through technical review. "This year, we're coming to you recommending that there'll be 6 design and 2 construction projects," she said, adding the amount available for distribution was $2,200,000 and the applications requested roughly $1.2 million.

Officials listed recommended projects in Hanover Township (1.5 miles, recommended $120,000 design grant), Netcong (0.7 miles, connecting to the Morris Canal Greenway), Rockaway (lake loop expansion), Madison (adding connected loops), Dover (first‑time applicant converting water‑department land to a nature trail) and Warren Park (dirt path to formal trail). Construction recommendations included Jefferson (1.25 miles) and Long Hill, the latter with a previously funded NJTEP design grant and permits in place.

The presentation summarized program metrics: since inception the program has had 61 grants, 33 completed and 18 current projects in progress; awarded construction totals about 29 miles, with roughly 15 miles constructed on the ground and 8.4 miles in progress. Staff and committee members praised process improvements, including project tracking using monday.com, and emphasized that the meeting was informational — formal action is scheduled for a later board meeting.

What happens next: staff will present formal recommendations at a future public meeting where the board may vote on grant awards and contract actions.