Outdoor Recreation Division awards $3.2M to 17 projects

The Outdoor Recreation Division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department announced on Aug. 12 the fifth and final round of FY24 Trails+ Grant recipients to support the growth of New Mexico's outdoor recreation workforce and expand equitable access to the outdoors.

The Trails+ Grant supports infrastructure improvements to New Mexico's booming outdoor recreation sector.

The ORD awarded more than $3 million to 17 recipients ranging from $25,000 for Curry County to $500,000 for the pueblo of Picuris. Matching funds from the grantees will contribute an additional $2,641,302 to the Trails+ Grant projects.

"The Trails+ Grant is giving a significant boost to the state's economy and supporting the growth of local communities by creating jobs for New Mexicans, many living in tribal and rural areas," EDD Acting Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said. "We're thrilled for the opportunities that this grant program provides our state."

In Sandoval County, two entities were awarded in this round of Trails+ Grants.

Las Huertas Plaza, LLC, a plaza project in the unincorporated Placitas area, was awarded $59,000. Las Huertas Plaza on Highway 165 is on a very popular cyclist route. This project establishes a safe pull-out for hikers and bikers with a bike repair station and rock wall seating area covered by a shade structure.

The village of Corrales was awarded $202,500. The village of Corrales, with the help of Corrales MainStreet, will install ADA bathrooms in La Entrada Park to improve community use and build connectivity for all village-owned properties with trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant Program was created in 2019 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and lawmakers to support projects that enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for communities, including trail systems, ADA-accessible outdoor recreation spaces, signage, wildlife viewing areas and more.

"Strategic investments improve the quality of life for residents across New Mexico by stimulating regional economic development and increasing access to beautiful places like Las Maravillas Park in Valencia County and the cross-country ski trails outside of Los Alamos," ORD Outdoor Recreation Planner Carl Colonius said.

More than $11 million in funding is available for the Trails+ Grant in FY25, and ORD will be accepting applications in rounds until funds are expended. Round 1 applications close on Sept. 30, 2024. Interested applicants can visit NMOutside.com for applications and complete grant program guides in English and Spanish. Questions can be directed to Outdoor Recreation Planner Carl Colonius, carl.colonius@edd.nm.gov, 505-570-7846.