MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — More than $1 million in funding is available to Morris County’s 39 municipalities through the 2026 Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program, which opened its 11th annual application cycle this week.
Since 2016, the county has awarded more than $7.5 million to build and enhance local trails after voters approved dedicating a portion of the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund to recreational trail development.
“One of the reasons Morris County is such a great place to live, work and play is our commitment to preserving open space and maintaining and improving our park system,” said Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the trail program. “There is no better way to experience the county’s natural beauty than by exploring the more than 25 miles of trails across our preserved lands and parks. As trail use continues to grow, we are pleased to expand and improve the trail network each year.”
On Jan. 7, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved updates to the program’s rules and regulations regarding eligible and non-eligible trail amenities. A complete set of rules is available on the county website.
“The Trail Construction Grant Program offers municipalities design and construction funding to expand local trail systems. Since 2016, the county has awarded 69 grants totaling $7.7 million, supporting projects that will create approximately 39 miles of trails for residents to enjoy. The program’s success is reflected in the participation from 32 Morris County municipalities,” said Betty Cass-Schmidt, chair of the Trail Construction Grant Advisory Committee.
Most municipalities first apply for a design grant to develop plans, identify issues and estimate costs before seeking construction funding.
A virtual application workshop is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, to review program requirements and the application process. Municipalities must also schedule and attend a pre-application meeting by April 15, submit a letter of intent by noon May 1 and file a completed application by noon June 19.
Eligible projects include construction of new trails — including single-use, shared-use, motorized and non-motorized trails — as well as improvements to existing trails to accommodate increased use or meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Funding is limited to projects on land located in Morris County that is municipally owned or permanently preserved for public recreation use, among other criteria. The program does not fund land acquisition, sidewalks, road construction, lighting, running tracks, law enforcement activities or promotional materials.
The minimum grant award is $10,000. No single award may exceed 60% of the funds available during the annual funding cycle, though that limit may be waived for regionally significant projects. Municipalities must provide a 20% match, and the program operates on a reimbursement basis.
Grant awards are expected to be announced before the end of the year. Program guidelines and application materials are available on the Morris County website.
