The Economic Development Department (EDD) Outdoor Recreation Division Director Karina Armijo announced today the first round of Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant awardees for 2023. Awards total $2,360,289 for 20 projects by organizations bringing in an additional $1,953,453 in matching funding.
The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant invests in conservation-minded shovel-ready projects that are open to the public, increase access to outdoor opportunities, and demonstrate a clear economic benefit to the community through improved quality of life, better public health outcomes, and/or increased eco-tourism. Eligible projects include trail design or construction, signage, river access, whitewater amenities, outdoor classroom infrastructure, trailhead improvements, picnic shelters, wildlife viewing areas, and more.
“We are proud to support these organizations,” ORD Director Karina Armijo said. “These projects are adding and updating trail infrastructure that promotes stewardship, increases equitable access to the outdoors for all New Mexicans, and enriches our community connection to the stunning landscapes that define our state while creating jobs and expanding economic opportunities.”
The grant recipients of this round are located throughout the state in 12 counties with 80% of the projects based in rural areas and two in Tribal communities. Awards range from $26,000 for Surf New Mexico planning a river park in Velarde to $499,927 for the City of Carlsbad for the Carlsbad Lower Tansill Dam renovation initiative. Projects receiving funding are estimated to create more than 250 jobs and will either build or maintain over 600 miles of New Mexico trails.
“The Lower Tansill Dam area is an extremely popular spot for Carlsbad residents, especially those who enjoy more peaceful recreational activities such as fishing or kayaking, as well as bird watching and walking,” Mayor of Carlsbad Dale W. Janway said. “We’re extremely excited about seeing some greatly needed improvements made to this area. Thanks to Angie Barrios-Testa and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division for all of their hard work putting this together.”
Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant applications are broken into two tier types of local projects with funding up to $99,999 or regional projects with awards up to $500,000. Tier two funding was awarded to the cities of Anthony, Carlsbad, and Sunland Park and to Socorro County. Sixteen local projects were awarded in the tier one category, including a variety of proposals for planning phases, a rail trail revamp in Raton, designing an outdoor economic development zone in Questa, an ADA accessible trail segment for the Pueblo of Jemez, fire and flood impacted trail work, and many more.
“The Pueblo of Jemez NM-4 multi-use pedestrian trail project will greatly improve the health and safety of our community, by providing a safe pathway to walk, run, and roll along the NM-4,” Pueblo of Jemez Planning Development & Transportation Department Director Sheri Bozic said. “We are grateful to have the support of the EDD Outdoor Recreation Division and fortunate to receive Trails+ grant funding for our project!”
ORD is grateful to the members of the review committee for their many hours spent evaluating applications and attending presentations by applicants. Each application was reviewed by multiple committee members and Tier 2 applicants presented their projects to a review team. The review committee consisted of Gabrielle McGuiness from the New Mexico Tourism Department, Desi Ortiz of New Mexico Game and Fish, Hannah Schlechter of the Bureau of Reclamation, and Maria Trevino from the National Park Service’s Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program.
There is an additional $7.6 million in funding available for Outdoor Recreation Trails+ projects, with the application open on a rolling basis until FY24 funding is expended. Organizations are encouraged to apply early for this competitive grant. Read the 2023 program guide for details.