BISMARCK – The Maah Daah Hey Trail restoration and the Three Affiliated Tribes National Park East Side Trail development were among projects awarded funding through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreation Trail Program.

The program received 17 applications totaling $3.48 million in grant requests for project funds. The program allocates about $1 million to award through the Federal Highway Administration. This round’s funding priority aligned with Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s initiative to create opportunities and access to four-season outdoor recreation for all ages, according to the department.

The Three Affiliated Tribes National Park East Side Trail was awarded $62,833 in the unmotorized funding category.

MHA Parks and Reserve will construct a vault toilet along the existing trail on the east side of the Three Affiliated Tribes National Park. This project will improve safety and convenience for visitors enjoying the four-season recreational trail.

Also in the unmotorized category, North Dakota Parks and Recreation was awarded $250,000 for Maah Daah Hey Trail restoration.

Working in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, the state parks recreation division will restore more than 10 miles of the federally designated National Recreation Maah Daah Hey Trail by repairing degraded tread, improving drainage, upgrading crossings and replacing aging signs and structures. Funding also supports a systemwide assessment to prioritize future maintenance and promote trail sustainability.

Others receiving funds in the unmotorized category were:

– Jamestown Parks and Recreation, White Cloud Trail Extension, McElroy and Liechty Park Connections, $250,000.

– Valley City Park District, Hidden Pond Nature Education Trail, $72,382.

In the motorized category, North Dakota Parks and Recreation’s Snowmobile North Dakota was awarded $249,000 to support the grooming of North Dakota’s 2,700-mile snowmobile trail system, ensuring safe, accessible and high-quality riding conditions for over 8,000 riders while boosting tourism and local economies.

Grooming involves frequent maintenance, including cutting, leveling and compacting snow to eliminate hazards such as ice buildup and rough terrain. The program extends the winter recreation season, enhances the state’s reputation as a premier destination, and provides economic stability for rural communities reliant on seasonal tourism. Additionally, continued investment in grooming strengthens local snowmobile clubs and volunteer engagement, ensuring long-term sustainability for the trail system.

The Recreational Trails Program is an 80/20 matching grant program.