Author: Sean Kane-Holland

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has is seeking to spread the word about the FY27 Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The draft FY2027 PA TIP–the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program–which was recently released by the DVRPC, includes the highest amount of funds programmed toward the Circuit and Circuit adjacent projects that will connect to the network. This investment is funded with a mix of local and federal funds, including CRP/CRPU, and CMAQ, which has been a primary funding source for trails over the years. When it is adopted, a record number of Circuit Trails Coalition Priority Projects in each of the five Pennsylvania counties in the Circuit Trails footprint will be funded.

1. We’re thrilled to see the draft FY2027 Transportation Improvement Program for Pennsylvania includes a record number of priority projects across the Circuit Trails network and the highest amount of funds programmed toward the Circuit Trails and adjacent 🚲👟projects. To help get all the @thecircuittrails proposed projects included in the final Transportation Improvement Program, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
   
2. Making it safer and easier to walk and bike in the Greater Philadelphia region is closer to becoming a reality, thanks to the inclusion of @thecircuittrails projects in the draft Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program. To help ensure the proposed projects are included in the final Transportation Improvement Program, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
   
3. Act now: Help ensure @thecircuittrails are prioritized in the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program. Go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
   
4. The draft FY2027 PA Transportation Improvement Program includes the  highest amount of funds programmed toward 👟🚲projects adjacent to and #OnTheCircuit. To help get all the @thecircuittrails proposed projects included in the final plan, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
   
5. Act now to help move forward the Circuit Trails network! Let @DVRPC know you want them to prioritize projects #OnTheCircuit by including them in PA’s Transportation Improvement Program.
   
6. Speak out to fund more trails! Circuit Trails projects were included in the draft Transportation Improvement Program, which could mean major funding for trail projects #OnTheCircuit. Send a letter to show support for trails in our region: circuittrails.org/get-involved/ 

Individuals and organizations will have an opportunity to register public comments with DVRPC through 5 p.m. June 22.

Link to take action – Here

The Hearst Foundations support high-impact programs that improve health, education, and opportunity for underserved populations. Priority areas include educating the next generation of health professionals, innovative early childhood and K–12 education models, and initiatives that expand access to high-quality healthcare for low-income communities.

Funding: Grants typically start at a minimum of $100,000.

Eligibility:
• Programs must demonstrate strong organizational capacity, measurable outcomes, and potential for long-term impact.

• Established nonprofit organizations with a proven track record of success in health, education, or healthcare access.

You can read more about the grant process – Here

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) supports initiatives that advance Strong and Equitable Food Systems and Health and Health Equity. Organizations begin the process by submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) that provides a high-level overview of their work and proposed project.

Funding: Funding levels vary depending on project scope and alignment.

Application:
• LOIs are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Selected applicants are typically invited to submit a full proposal within approximately 30 days.

Eligibility:
• Nonprofit organizations and institutions whose work aligns with WKKF’s priority areas and commitment to racial equity and community-centered solutions.

You can read more about grant process – Here

Age-Friendly Ocean County is proud to launch its inaugural Multisector Plan for Aging, which identifies evidence-based strategies and best practices to strengthen community supports for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers, enabling residents to age in place with safety, dignity, and independence.

Join them for this inaugural event either in-person or virtually.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 ~ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Ocean County Library Mancini Hall
101 Washington Street
Toms River, NJ 08753

Registration is required. RSVP by Thursday, June 18, 2026
Use this link to register – Age-Friendly Ocean County Launch

For questions, please call 732-349-1247
For more information on Age-Friendly Ocean County visit – Age-Friendly Ocean County – Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County

The NJ Forest Resource Center Jackson, NJ is truly an amazing place as we celebrate the continued efforts to make the spaces more accessible for the entire community to enjoy and learn about the natural significance of New Jersey’s great outdoors.

The recently revitalized quarter-mile Sensory Awareness Trail at the DEP’s Forest Resource Education Center in Jackson, Ocean County, where visitors of all abilities may use multiple senses to explore forest and habitat along the out-and-back route.

Sensory Awareness Trail upgrades, also include an improved permeable surface and an upgraded guide rope for visitors with visual impairments, with wooden markers identifying interpretive exhibits, benches and a new trailhead kiosk provides information on the trail’s accessible features.

The team that came together to make this project come to fruition is a truly magnificent group from Pinelands Alliance, NJFS Nursery, the private sector, NJ State Parks, NJFS FREC, and the Office of Communications, Interpretation and Education. We look forward to more of this type of expanded partnerships in the future!

You can view the full new release – NJDEP| News Releases | Sherrill Administration Invites Public to Participate in National Trails Day Events This Saturday, June 6 (26/P028)

In May, Congress took some progressive strides when the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved the BUILD America 250 Act.

However, this bill makes it harder for places to build out the connected active-transportation infrastructure Americans want and need.

This initial bill helps land management organizations understand how to plan advocacy efforts in the coming months.

The Rails to Trails Conservancy has produced a summary of what’s in the bill and what’s not:

• IN: Transportation Alternatives (TA) remains as a 10% set-aside of the surface transportation block grant, growing slowly to about $1.66 billion annually; also, new eligibilities for the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) allow funds to be used as a local match, but the bill makes it easier for states to transfer funds out of the program.

• IN: Recreational Trails Program (RTP) persists at $84 million despite the huge delta compared with the $281 million in gas tax receipts paid into the Highway Trust Fund by off-road motorized trail users.

• OUT: Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is repealed, which creates challenges for communities across the United States pursuing large-scale active transportation networks.

• IN: Safe Streets and Roads for All ramps up at an average per year of $750 million.

• NEW: Surface Transportation Accelerator Grants, a complementary program to BUILD that includes a collection of previously stand-alone discretionary grant programs, is included at $2.4 billion annually and focuses on connectivity across modes of travel, safety and the economy.

These programs are necessary to provide the safe, connected networks that allow people to walk, bike and roll to the places they need to go. You can find RTC’s in-depth analysis of the bill on their website.