WEST MILFORD Westbrook Park Trail will receive $15,000 to go toward building an extension. More than $1.7 million in federal grant money has been designated to maintain and improve trails in the state, according to Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson. “These funds will improve access to ever-expanding networks of trails throughout New Jersey, including nature trails, trails in urban parks, handicapped-accessible trails and canoe trails,” Commissioner Jackson said. “The direct beneficiaries of this money are our many residents and visitors who enjoy the outdoors.” More than $730,000 from the federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program has already been approved for 40 trail projects. In the coming year, the DEP will administer approximately $1 million in competitive grants for groups that operate and maintain trails. Recipients are required to provide 20 percent matching money for each project. Some of the other projects already approved for funding include a $21,400 grant to the Morris County Park Commission to develop a link in the countywide Patriots’ Path trail system. In Burlington County, Rancocas State Park will use $25,000 to provide canoe and kayak access to the South Branch of Rancocas Creek. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Atlantic County was awarded $14,505 to make two trails accessible to handicapped persons. The DEP will reserve money from the federal grant program for the development of future motorized trail projects. The 40 trail projects were recommended for funding by the New Jersey Trails Council and approved by the Federal Highway Administration under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act.