Mercer County Executive Dan Benson Launches the Trail Grant Program

Mercer County is pleased to present the Mercer County Trail Grant Program, designed to support municipalities and eligible nonprofits in planning, designing, constructing, and rehabilitating trails that improve recreation, mobility, and connectivity throughout the County. This program represents a major investment in public health, active transportation, and environmental resilience.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Applications will open January 1, 2026, and will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 1, 2026, or until all funds are awarded.

Program Overview

The Mercer County Trail Grant Program provides matching funds to support projects that expand and improve trail networks throughout the county. Eligible activities include new trail construction, rehabilitation of existing trails (including ADA upgrades), feasibility studies, and design and permitting work. Grants match 50% of project costs, with funding caps of $25,000 for feasibility studies, $50,000 for design and permitting, $100,000 for rehabilitation, and $500,000 for new construction. Projects in urban areas may qualify for a higher match, and eligible costs include materials, equipment, and contracted services such as engineering and permitting.

Eligible applicants include Mercer County municipalities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits engaged in trail development. Projects must be located on public land or private/nonprofit land with permanent public access (not required for feasibility studies). When funding demand exceeds availability, priority will be given to projects that connect to existing trail networks, link parks, urban centers, and job hubs, or improve older, high-use trails.

Award Process

Grants will be awarded on a discretionary basis, with priority given to projects that:

• Connect to existing trails, parks, urban centers, schools, or job hubs
• Improve accessibility and safety
• Enhance older or high-use trails

Grant recipients can invoice to receive 50% of grant award at the start of the Grant Agreement, 25% of funds when the project is 50% complete, and the remaining 25% when the project is 100% complete and has undergone Final Review.  Mercer County reserving the right to recapture funds if false information is submitted or required documentation is not submitted.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a municipality in Mercer County or a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit engaged in trail development
• Must provide a projected budget and a long-term maintenance plan
• Projects must be located on public land or private/nonprofit land with permanent public access (except feasibility studies)

Eligible Uses:

Ineligible Uses:

• Replacement of other, existing grant funding source(s) identified for the same purpose
• Cost previously covered by alternative federal, state, or local grant funding
• Acquisition of real property
• Relocation or Building demolition
• Payment of non-business expenses (Personal credit cards, home repairs, personal vehicle, personal phone bill, personal internet bill, etc.)
• Direct financing to political activities
• Religious activities, such as worship, religious instructions, or to inhibit religious interest
• Personal use purchases of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, food, entertainment and non-business travel
• This is not a reimbursement program. Intended for expenses going forward.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION CHECKLIST AND INSTRUCTIONS

CLICK THE APPLICATION TYPE AND APPLY! 

Application Tracks 

1. FEASIBILITY STUDY APPLICATION  

Early-stage analysis to assess trail viability, route options, costs, and community engagement 

2.DESIGN & PERMITTING APPLICATION 

3. CONSTRUCTION APPLICATION 

Submission & Deadline 

Applications Accepted: January 1 – September 1, 2026 (or until funds are fully awarded) 
Submission: Fill out the form when you click on the link, upload all required documents. 

Questions or concerns may be directed to Mansi Shah at mshah@mercercounty.org