DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES Funding Available for Recreational Trail Grants [29 Pa.B. 4178] 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 made available to the Commonwealth through the Federal Highway Administration and the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
The Recreational Trails Program provides grants to develop and maintain trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trails uses. Applicants may submit projects for the maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails, development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages, purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment, construction of new recreational trails, and acquisition of easements or property for recreation trails or recreation trail corridors. Consideration will also be given to projects that provide for the redesign, reconstruction, nonroutine maintenance, or relocation of recreational trails to benefit the natural environment. Up to 5% of the funds may be used for the operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection related to the use of recreational trails.
The Commonwealth anticipates receiving $1.0 million in Federal funding from the Federal Highway Administration for this grant round. In addition another $1.0 million in State funding has been allocated to the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program by the Pennsylvania General Assembly for this grant round. 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 diverse trail use projects that provide for two or more trail uses. Projects that benefit both motorized and nonmotorized trail uses, such as common trailhead facilities or innovative trail corridor sharing can earn extra credit in the selection criteria.
Applicants eligible for trail funding from this program are local governments, State and Federal agencies and private organizations. Eligible grant amounts will range in size from a minimum of $2,500 to a maximum of $100,000. Match requirements are 80% grant funds and 20% project sponsor funds. However, acquisition projects will require a 50/50 match. A ''soft match'' such as donations of materials and services is permitted.
All project sponsors are encouraged to enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with qualified youth conservation or service corps to perform trails construction and maintenance. Project proposals that utilize youth conservation or service corps will earn extra credit in the selection criteria.
The deadline for applications is October 29, 1999. Individuals interested in applying for trail funding should visit the DCNR website at www.dcnr.state.pa.us to download the application manual or contact DCNR at the following address to obtain an application manual:
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation & Conservation, Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program, P. O. Box 8475, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8475, (717) 787-2316, fax: (717) 772-3325, e-mail: vtierney@dcnr.state.pa.us.
Persons with a disability who wish to submit a Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program grant application and require special assistance should contact Vanyla Tierney at (717) 787-2316 to discuss how the Department may best assist their needs. TTY or TDD users call (800) 654-5984.
JOHN C. OLIVER,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 99-1282. Filed for public inspection August 6, 1999, 9:00 a.m.]
