29 of 39 funded projects expand access in rural and Tribal communities

SANTA FE — The Outdoor Recreation Division of the Economic Development Department of New Mexico is investing nearly $6 million to build and enhance more than 355 miles of trails and support 288 jobs across 21 counties.

The investment comes through the division's Trails+ Grant and represents the largest amount awarded in a single round to date. The total will be amplified by an additional $4.8 million in matching — funds bringing the total public investment to $10.8 million.

For this round, 59 applicants requested a record-setting $12.7 million in funding. Of the 39 projects ultimately awarded, 29 will provide enhanced outdoor access in rural and Tribal areas.

"Expanding trails and outdoor access is a smart way to grow New Mexico's outdoor economy sustainably — an economy that adds billions to our state's GDP," said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. "These projects provide jobs, keep our forests and watersheds healthy and encourage economic growth, especially in our rural communities."

"It matters that Trails+ projects reach every part of the state because access shouldn't depend on where you live," said Outdoor Recreation Division Director Karina Armijo. "When communities have places to get outside, it creates real benefits for local economies and quality of life."

Awarded projects range from creating educational trail signs, constructing ADA-friendly trails and campsites, designing and constructing bike trails and pump tracks, constructing a pedestrian bridge, feasibility studies and more.

The final round of FY26 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant recipients include:

Bernalillo 

City of Albuquerque, Department of Municipal Development, $1,000,000 

Rio Grande Community Farm, $66,000 

Chaves 

Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, $98,629 

Curry 

City of Clovis, $90,000 

City of Texico, $184,250 

Doña Ana 

Asombro Institute for Science Education, $35,000 

Dona Ana Village Association, $99,159 

Foundation for America's Public Lands, $285,200 

Las Cruces Public Schools, $49,352 

Eddy 

City of Carlsbad, $1,000,000 

National Cave and Karst Research Institute, New Mexico Tech, $164,747 

Grant 

Heart of the Gila, $96,910 

Hidalgo 

Hidalgo County, $147,741 

Lea 

City of Eunice, $99,999 

Los Alamos 

The Incorporated County of Los Alamos, Community Services Department, $26,558 \

McKinley 

Southwest Indian Foundation, $99,000 

Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions, $99,999 

Mora 

Collins Lake Autism Center, $99,000 

Otero 

Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps, a program of Conservation Legacy, $98,183 

Public Lands Interpretive Association, $99,964 

Sacramento Camp and Conference Center Inc., $28,000 

Quay 

City of Tucumcari, $99,982 

Rio Arriba 

National Ghost Ranch Foundation, Inc., $98,600 

Northern New Mexico College, $99,990 

Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, $99,000 

San Miguel 

Friends of the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, $80,215 

River Source, $88,710 

Sandoval 

Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, $46,000 

Pueblo of Santa Ana/Tamaya Wellness Program, $99,999 

Santa Fe 

Mountain Cloud Zen Center, $49,991 

New Mexico Wildlife Center, $73,000 

Santa Fe Botanical Garden, $25,000 

Santa Fe Children's Museum, $99,999 

Sierra 

City of Truth or Consequences, $81,212 

Taos 

Taos Land Trust, $68,999 

Enchanted Circle Trails Association, $262,342 

Torrance 

Forest Stewards Guild, $208,068 

Valencia 

City of Belen, $28,819 

Village of Los Lunas, $499,000 

"This $1 million award for an accessible pedestrian bridge over the Pecos River is a great investment in our community and one of Carlsbad's most valued spaces," said Carlsbad Mayor Richard D. Lopez.

"This award allows us to complete a feasibility study for a river surf wave and master plan for Rotary Park," said Assistant City Manager of the City of Truth or Consequences Traci Alvarez. "We are ensuring that residents and visitors alike can safely and consistently experience the beauty of our landscape." 

To explore all 39 projects in depth, visit www.nmoutside.com/news. 

The Trails+ Grant is administered by Outdoor Recreation Division, a division of Economic Development New Mexico. Since the Trails+ Grant program was established in 2020, $39.8 million has been awarded to 282 projects across 29 counties and supported an estimated 2,650 jobs. Outdoor recreation continues to be a key driver of New Mexico's economy, contributing $3.6 billion in value added and supporting over 31,000 jobs statewide.

The next round of applications will open July 1, 2026.