686 Funding available for recreational trail grants

Funding Available for Recreational Trail Grants

[27 Pa.B. 2149]

   The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has begun to accept applications for the next grant round for the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program. Funding for the program is available through the Symms National Recreational Trails Fund, created under the Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991, as amended.

   The Federal Highway Administration has allocated the Commonwealth $393,654 for this round of funding. At least 30% of the funding will be utilized for motorized recreational trail uses and 30% for nonmotorized recreational trail uses. The remaining 40% will be used for both motorized and nonmotorized uses, but preference will be given to projects with the greatest number of compatible recreational trail uses and/or that provide for innovative recreational trail corridor sharing to accommodate motorized and nonmotorized recreational trails.

   Applicants may submit projects for the redesign, reconstruction, nonroutine maintenance or relocation of trails in order to mitigate and minimize the impact to the natural environment; development of urban trail linkages; trail maintenance (including the grooming and maintenance of trails across snow); restoration of areas damaged by usage; development of trail-side and trail-head facilities; improving access and use of trails by persons with disabilities; and acquisition and construction of new trails.

   Those eligible for trail funding from this program are local governments, State and Federal agencies, organizations and individuals. Eligible grant amounts will range in size from a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $20,000 and will be administered using a 50/50 funding ratio. For example, in order to qualify for a $20,000 grant, the total project cost must be at least $40,000, with the applicant responsible for 50% or $20,000 of the project cost.

   The deadline for application is July 15, 1997. Anyone interested in applying for trail funding should contact DCNR at the address below to obtain an application manual.
 
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Bureau of Recreation & Conservation
Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program
PO Box 8475
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8475
[phone]
FAX: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

   Persons with a disability who wish to submit a Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program grant application and require special assistance should contact Vanyla Tierney at [phone] to discuss how the Department may best assist their needs. TTY or TDD users call [phone].

JOHN C. OLIVER, III,   
Secretary

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 97-686. Filed for public inspection May 2, 1997, 9:00 a.m.]