The Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) announces the round 3 Trails+ Grant recipients. Projects awarded will expand equitable access to the outdoors and grow New Mexico’s outdoor recreation economy.
Source: NM Economic Development Department News Release
Round 3 awards total $1,611,743 for 12 projects, bringing in an additional $1,567,237 in matching funding. Of the awarded projects, 75% are supporting rural and Tribal communities with grants ranging from $38,700 to the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance to $500,000 to the City of Las Cruces.
The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant program was created in 2019 by Gov. Lujan Grisham and lawmakers to support projects that enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for communities, including trail systems, signage, outdoor classrooms, wildlife viewing areas, and more.
This vibrant sector continues to diversify the state’s economy as New Mexico’s outdoor industry employs over 28,000 people and contributes $2.4 billion annually to the state GDP, according to 2022 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
“Since the establishment of Trails+, a total of $13,243,478 has been awarded to 134 projects in 26 counties across the state,” Acting EDD Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said. “Trails+ exemplifies what can be achieved with our state’s visionary investment in the outdoor recreation economy and the power behind collaborative partnerships tied to each funded project. Together, we are strengthening our state and enhancing access to New Mexico’s exquisite outdoors.”
Fiscal year 2024 funding remains available for Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant projects and ORD encourages organizations and communities to apply for round 4 by March 31, 2024. Round 5 applications must be submitted by May 31, 2024.
During this year’s legislative session, an additional $10 million was designated for FY25 Trails+ Grants and ORD wants to see this impressive level of funding reach every community in New Mexico.
“We are thrilled to support these 12 new projects that foster connections between residents and visitors in the great outdoors,” ORD Director Karina Armijo said. “ORD remains steadfast in elevating awareness of the Trails+ Grant program, ensuring its significant funding bolsters outdoor recreation accessibility and fuels economic growth across all corners of New Mexico.”
Funded Trails+ infrastructure projects reflect the variety of ways New Mexicans connect with the outdoors in each unique county. Trails+ awardees are not only building recreation paths and trail networks but also connections within communities that sustain access to the state’s diverse landscapes.
“Our Trails+ Grant provides support for a connector trail between Tortugas Mountain and Soledad Canyon Road multi-use path. This connector was identified in the Doña Ana County Trail Summit as the number one trail priority,” Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance (SNMTA) President Dan Carter said. “It will provide trail connectivity between Las Cruces, New Mexico State University, Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument, and the neighborhoods and public lands in between. SNMTA is very excited to realize the community’s vision for a better-connected trail system in Doña Ana County.”
FY24 Round 3 Trails+ Grant applications were reviewed and scored by the following individuals. ORD is grateful for the incredible investment of their time and the passion they brought to the process.
- Carl Colonius, ORD Outdoor Recreation Planner
- Jim Glover, endeavOR Director
- Holly Kelley, New Mexico Tourism Department Development Director
- Jen Merino, BLM Recreation, Travel Management, and National Scenic and Historic Trails Lead
- Maria Trevino, National Park Service, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance, Outdoor Rec Planner
- Glenn Simpson, Bureau of Land Management Branch Chief for Planning, Recreation, and Cultural Resources
- Donna M. Stumpf, ORD Marketing & Business Outreach Coordinator
Of the twelve recipients the following two local entities received funding:
City of Las Cruces ($500,000, Doña Ana County): The City of Las Cruces’ project includes the design and construction of a recreational trail that will connect the community of Tortugas and Doña Ana County with the university campus, Las Cruces High School, and other destinations within the metropolitan area.
Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance ($38,700, Doña Ana County): The project focuses on creating non-motorized trail connectivity between the existing Tortugas Mountain trail network and Soledad Canyon Road multi-use path, and greater connectivity between the City of Las Cruces and the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument.
To begin your Trails+ Grant conversation, email ORD Outdoor Recreation Planner Carl Colonius at carl.colonius@edd.nm.gov or call 505-570-7846 and visit NMOutside.com for a complete grant program guide (in English and Spanish).
