Outdoor Recreation Division awards nearly $2 million in a fourth round of funding through the Trails+ Grant

The Outdoor Recreation Division of the Economic Development Department announced May 15 the fourth round of fiscal year 2024 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant recipients.

ORD is awarding $1,944,944 in funding to 13 projects throughout the state to expand outdoor access and grow the New Mexico outdoor recreation economy.

“Since Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham created the Outdoor Recreation Division in 2019 and identified outdoor businesses as a key path to diversify New Mexico’s economy, the Economic Development Department through ORD has provided 147 grants in 29 counties with this innovative Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant program,” Acting EDD Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said. “These are infrastructure and improvement dollars flowing to all corners of New Mexico to help communities support recreational amenities and create jobs.”

ORD has invested more than $20 million to increase outdoor access through the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ and Outdoor Equity Fund programs. The Trails+ Grant was created in 2020 by the governor and lawmakers to support projects that connect communities to outdoor recreation opportunities, including trails, outdoor classrooms, community shelters, wildlife viewing areas and more.

"We are thrilled to continue fostering the growth and accessibility of New Mexico's beautiful landscapes through the Trails+ Grant,” ORD Director Karina Armijo said. “This funding is not just an investment in infrastructure; it's an investment in community well-being, economic development, and the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations. By enhancing our outdoor spaces, we ensure that every New Mexican has the opportunity to connect with nature and experience the countless benefits of outdoor recreation."

The 13 new projects are expected to bring almost $1.5 million in matching funds and create 132 jobs. These new positions include full-time, part-time and seasonal roles across the state. The Trails+ Grant opened this fiscal year with $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. Through multiple rounds of awards during, ORD supported a total of 57 projects with $7,627,513. Since the program was created in 2020, ORD has provided over 147 grants worth $15,152,649 to projects in 29 New Mexico counties.

In Sandoval County, the Las Placitas Association will be awarded $99,950 through the Trails+ Grant.

The Las Placitas Association will provide the Bureau of Land Management Rio Puerco Field Office an Environmental Assessment and Recreation Area Management Plan in support of trail systems, associated facilities, defining habitat connectivity and the designation of a Developed Recreation Area on BLM land, nicknamed "Buffalo Tract," that lies north of the village of Placitas. The multi-use trail system will serve local residents and the broader regional recreational community.