Grants for Trails

During my presentation this morning at the Illinois parks and rec conference I noticed a number of people scrambling to write down the list of grants available to construct trails. I promised someone after the session that I’d post the list on our blog.  So below, as promised, a list of some of the grants and grant programs that are available to fund trails.

Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP)
Designed to broaden the transportation focus from Interstate and Highways to making communities more livable.

Match:  Up to 50 % for right-of-way and easement acquisition costs, and up to 80 % for preliminary engineering, utility relocations, engineering and construction costs. 

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Abandoned railway corridors for conversion to trails.

IDOT announces application solicitation depending upon funding. Typically application cycles are every 2 or 3 years.

Federal Recreational Trails Program
Created through the national recreational fund as part of ISTEA, this program provides funding for acquisition, development and maintenance of trails.

Match: 80/20 ($200,000 maximum for development)

• Examples of eligible projects include:
• Trail Construction and rehabilitation
• Construction of trail support facilities
• Property acquisition

Submit applications to the IDNR by March 1

Bike Path Grant Program
Created to financially assist in acquiring, constructing and rehabilitating public paths and related support facilities.

Match: 50/50 ($200,000 maximum)

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Linear Corridor Land Acquisition
• Trail development/renovation
• Bridging, signage, and support facilities

Each application is evaluated on a competitive basis according to criteria set by IDNR. 

Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program (OSLAD)
A state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space.

Match: 50/50

Maximum Amount: $400,000 for development, $750,000 for acquisition

Written applications must be submitted to IDNR between May 1 and July 1 of each year.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ)
The CMAQ program funds transportation projects that help non-attainment areas meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendment.

Match: 80/20

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Bike and pedestrian projects

CMAP holds an annual Call for Projects.