PIERRE – Governor Kristi Noem has awarded Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding to several cities, trail groups and state parks totaling $1,358,113. The federal assistance program provides up to 80 percent reimbursement for trail-related development and maintenance projects.

The following applicants were awarded grants for trail construction and upgrades:

Black Hills Nordic Ski Club – Trial Groomer and Signs, $7,259
City of Crooks – Sunset Park Trail Extension, $57,750
City of Pierre – Griffin Park Trail Rehabilitation, $95,000
City of Spearfish – Recreational Trail Extension, $100,000
Trailbusters Snowmobile Club, Beresford, Snowmobile Trail Groomer, $194,800
Yankton County – HWY 52 Trail Resurfacing, $129,618

Additional grants were awarded for trail improvement projects at the following locations: The Black Hills Snowmobile Trail System, George S. Mickelson Trail and Pierson Ranch-Chief White Crane Connector Trail.

“These project sponsors have shown a strong commitment to improving their communities and state parks and recreation areas. They’re making South Dakota a better place to live, work, and play,” said Governor Noem. “These projects will undoubtedly benefit future generations of South Dakotans and encourage more families to enjoy the outdoors together.”

The Recreational Trails Program is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered in South Dakota by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The funds come from the Federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use.

The five-person citizen RTP Advisory Council reviewed the applications and made recommendations to Governor Noem.

For more information on this program, contact Randy Kittle, Grants Coordinator, at 605.773.5490 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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