Funding for Trails in Maryland
[B' Spokes: I ran across this while researching the previous article and it's cool enough to share.]
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP)
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds to the States to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Federal transportation funds benefit recreation including hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.
Maryland received $1,158,618 in RTP funds in 2010, and $5,622,664 over the course of the last five years.
In the fall of 2010, Governor Martin O’Malley announced the results of the first-ever comprehensive Maryland State Parks Economic Impact and Visitors Study at a meeting with stakeholders at New Germany State Park. According to the study, Maryland State Parks have an estimated annual economic benefit to local economies and the State of more than $650 million annually.[Emphasis mine]
- Each year, a network of 66 Maryland State Parks welcomes nearly 10 million day visitors and 1 million visitors who stay overnight in campgrounds and cabins.
- Maryland State Park visitors directly spend more than $567 million during their trips to State Parks, producing a total economic impact of more than $650 million annually.
- State park visitor spending supported more than 10,000 full-time jobs and generated more than $39 million in state and local retail, gasoline, hotel, and income taxes.
- 70 percent of spending and employment impacts are concentrated within 20 minutes of State Parks in local, "gateway communities," often in rural settings.
- 49 percent of overnight visitors and 29 percent of day visitors are from out-of-state.
- 95 percent of day visitors and 94 percent of overnight visitors had expectations met or exceeded during their trip to a Maryland State Park.
- 48 percent of day visitors and 63 percent of overnight visitors come to the State Parks with children. One in 10 groups came with five or more kids.
- Visitors ranked hiking/walking as the most popular activity in State Parks during the time of the survey followed by: general relaxation, swimming, sightseeing, and picnicking/cooking out.
- More than 90 percent of survey respondents agree or strongly agree that Maryland State Parks offer a safe and affordable way to escape from stress, connect with nature, and offer a positive experience for their children.
“This report demonstrates that Maryland’s network of 66 State Parks is a tremendous asset to our State, providing both exciting recreational opportunities to residents and visitors and significant economic benefits.” said Governor O’Malley. “The impact of visitor spending in our communities proves that our investments in visitor experiences provide valuable returns — including job creation —that help keep Maryland smart, green and growing."