Image courtesy of IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced applications will be accepted through March 14 for grants through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV), and Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Programs beginning on January 14, 2019.
The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a reimbursement grant program that provides 80 percent of project funding with a required 20 percent local match. This grant program is federally funded and is administered by the IDNR in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The funds can be used to assist government agencies and trail groups in the rehabilitation, development, maintenance, and acquisition of recreational trails and related facilities. The trails may be motorized, non-motorized, or multiple use trails. RTP funds can also be used for environmental protection and safety education projects related to trails. This program is funded through the transfer of federal gas taxes paid on fuel used in off-highway vehicles used for recreational purposes. The program generally has $1.5 million available for grants, with a maximum development grant amount of $200,000. There is no maximum on acquisition grants. Read more.