The Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has awarded outdoor trails and infrastructure grants to 12 projects as part of the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant initiative. The awardees for fiscal year 2024 total $1,746,310, while organizations are bringing in an additional $2.53 million in matching funds. Nearly 70% of the projects are based in rural and Tribal areas, throughout 12 counties in New Mexico.

Awards range from $35,773 to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) to $500,000 going to the City of Farmington. Projects that are eligible for the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant awards are categorized into two types. Local projects can be funded up to $99,999 while regional projects can apply for awards up to $500,000.

All applications are reviewed by multiple committee members and Tier 2 applicants presented their projects to a review team. The review committee consists of representatives from the Tourism Department, New Mexico Game and Fish, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service’s Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program. There are over 100 application drafts pending for ORD for this competitive grant, with organizations advised to complete applications early. The next application review cycle deadline is January 31, 2024.