Associated Press - November 10, 2009 8:35 AM ET

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The New Mexico State Parks Division will award almost $1.6 million in federal funding for eight trail projects.

The funds will support maintenance of 90 miles of existing trails and development of more than 9 miles of new trails. The program helps communities build and maintain trails.

The grants will finance projects in the Cibola National Forest, Truth or Consequences, Elephant Butte Lake State Park, McKinley County, Espanola, Clovis, Hobbs and Carlsbad.

The program provides up to 80 percent of a project's cost with a minimum 20 percent match from a sponsoring group. Projects are recommended for funding by an advisory board.

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