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County awarded $99,999.80 RTP grant to build equine trails at Kehukee Park
Summary
Martin County received a $99,999.80 NC Recreational Trails Program award to construct 3–5 miles of horse trails and trailhead facilities at Kehukee Park; a 25% local match and in‑kind contributions from partners (Martin Community College, NC Forestry Service, TDA) were pledged and the board approved the grant agreement unanimously.
Martin County commissioners on April 8 approved a grant agreement accepting $99,999.80 from the North Carolina Recreational Trails Program (RTP) to develop an equine trail network and associated trailhead facilities at Kehukee Park.
The project, developed with partners including Martin Community College, the NC Forestry Service, the Martin County TDA, and Martin County Cooperative Extension, would convert about 66 acres of recently timbered land into a Phase 1 equine trail system of roughly 3–5 miles. Project elements include upgraded parking and trailhead facilities using the USDA‑Agricultural Service Center and Public Works Maintenance facility, a cross‑country training field, and connections to Martin Community College’s equine facilities.
The RTP award requires a 25% local match; county staff said Martin Community College and the TDA had agreed to contribute to the match and the NC Forestry Service and county staff would provide in‑kind services. Consultant David Hodges, who had assisted with prior PARTF and RTP work in the county, supported the application and grant development.
Chairman Tommy Bowen said the horse trail would serve many county residents and complement the equine program at Martin Community College and nearby agricultural resources. The board approved the RTP grant agreement unanimously.
Next steps: staff will implement project scoping, refine matching commitments, prepare trailhead improvements, and manage trail construction and partner coordination under the RTP grant terms.
