Mercer Parks Among 49 to Win Federal Money

Parks in Lawrence Township and Princeton were among 49 granted $1.28 million by the Federal Highway Administration under its recreational trails program,  Environmental Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.

The grants included $24,700 each to Hopewell and Lawrence townships for sections of the and $24,700 to Pennington for a connection to the trail, $24,700 to Princeton Township for the Quaker Road Pathway and $22,000 to the D&R Canal State Park for a utility vehicle.

"The quality of life for New Jersey residents is enhanced by the wide and varying network of rural, suburban and urban trails, which connects the fabric of our communities across the state,'' Martin said. "This links directly to Governor Christie's commitment to preserving open space, and keeping all of our state parks open, to offer a wide variety of affordable recreational opportunities and enjoyment to persons of all abilities, ages and means across the state.''

The 49 trail projects statewide are part of the Federal Highway Administration's 2011 Recreational Trails Program.

"This funding is essential to development and maintenance of a statewide network of trails,'' said DEP Assistant Commissioner of Natural and Historic Resources Amy Cradic. "The matching grants help to finance opportunities for more access to the state's open spaces, and also create alternative transportation corridors, and health and fitness opportunities, while enhancing the state's natural and historic resources.''

The 49 grant recipients in 2011 were recommended for funding by the New Jersey Trails Council and approved by the Federal Highway Administration, according to a DEP press release. The Trails Council is made up of representatives from hiking, mountain-biking, motorized trail-use, canoeing/kayaking and horseback-riding interest groups, as well as several general trail advocates and state government representatives.

Applications for the next round of competitive federal grants are being accepted by the DEP for consideration for funding in 2012 to develop, maintain, improve trails and operate trails throughout New Jersey. The money is administered by the DEP's Green Acres program and can be used to improve access to open space, enhance environmental resources, create urban and suburban corridors and provide additional hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle opportunities.

Grant recipients must provide a 20 percent matching share for each project. The deadline to apply to the DEP is Feb. 15. For more, see www.trails.nj.gov.