At its May 2025 meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved over $6.8 million in grant funding to support 24 recreational trail projects across Texas. Among the recipients, Houston and Harris County will receive a combined total of $1.14 million for major upgrades to local trails and off-road recreation areas.

Funded through the National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF) and supplemented by state Sporting Goods Sales Tax revenues, the grants aim to support both motorized and non-motorized trail development statewide. The NRTF is backed by a portion of the federal gas tax collected from fuel purchases for off-highway vehicles.

Harris County and Houston Projects:

• TMTC Rio Bravo Adventure Park – $500,000:
  Funding will go toward the renovation of six miles of off-road trails and tracks, along with site improvements such as updated signage, electrical and septic systems, pavilion and access road repairs, and engineering services.
• TMTC Rio Bravo Recreation Area – $400,000:
  An additional grant will fund the purchase of equipment, including a bulldozer/tractor and tools, for maintenance and continued trail development.
• Terry Hershey Trail in Houston – $240,000:
  This funding will support the renovation of three miles of asphalt hike-and-bike trail, improving accessibility and safety for recreational users in the area.

These investments reflect a broader statewide initiative to expand access to outdoor recreation, improve infrastructure, and promote healthy, active lifestyles through well-maintained and accessible trail systems.

More than $5.28 million of this year’s funding comes from the NRTF, with an additional $1.52 million contributed from the state’s Sporting Goods Sales Tax. Up to $900,000 of the total allocation will support trail upgrades in state parks.

The projects were selected to represent a balance of urban, rural, motorized, and non-motorized trail uses, emphasizing both environmental stewardship and community recreation across Texas.