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Feb
18
Written by:
news editor
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
02/18/09 ODNR reviewing grant proposals for trail projects across the state that will help develop and revitalize communities
State Evaluating Grant Requests that Will Expand Trail Projects
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), which administers the Clean Ohio Trails Fund, is reviewing grant proposals for trail projects across the state that will help develop and revitalize communities.
The Clean Ohio Trails Fund is one of four components of the Clean Ohio Fund, which restores, protects and connects Ohio’s natural and urban places. Ohioans approved the establishment of the $400 million bond program in 2000 and it was a critical component of the 2008 Ohio Bipartisan Job Stimulus Plan. An extension of the Clean Ohio Fund was overwhelmingly accepted at the ballot last year.
ODNR received 40 grant applications for the Clean Ohio Trails Fund from local entities statewide. Total projects are expected to cost $24.9 million with grant requests totaling $10.1 million. Applicants must provide a 25 percent local match for their projects. ODNR will award $6.25 million in Clean Ohio Trails Fund grants in 2009. Recipients will be notified this summer.
“The Clean Ohio Trails Fund helps build and maintain infrastructure that allows communities to conveniently connect to nature,” said ODNR Director Sean Logan. “The investments help facilitate travel, enhance educational opportunities and provide safe, scenic areas where Ohioans can hike, bike or run and build healthy lifestyles.”
The Clean Ohio Trails Fund improves outdoor recreational opportunities for Ohioans. Special emphasis is given to projects that:
Are consistent with the statewide trail plan;
- Complete regional trail systems and links to the statewide trail plan;
- Link population centers with outdoor recreation area and facilities;
- Involve the purchase of rail lines linked to the statewide trail plan;
- Preserve natural corridors;
- Provide links in urban areas to support commuter access and provide economic benefit.
To date, the Clean Ohio Trail Fund has dedicated $25 million to provide thousands of Ohioans with better access to recreational opportunities through the creation of 219 miles of trails.
Highlights from the initial round of grants include:
Simon Kenton Trail - Champaign County Commissioners (2002) - The project was for the design and construction of 6.23 miles of trails along a railroad line from Critter Court (in Springfield) to Woodburn Road in Champaign County. The project allowed for the much needed connection to the Buck Creek trail, which further connects to the Little Miami Scenic Trail and the Ohio to Erie Trail.
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Cascade Locks - City of Akron (2002) - The project allowed for the connection of the Ohio to Erie Trail, Buckeye Trail and Summit County Trail and greenway plan. The connection has lead to a 100-mile trail that has facilitated travel from Cleveland to Akron and New Philadelphia. The project has provided an enhancement of educational opportunities and a provision of physical links to schools and after school centers.
Indian Trails - Ashtabula Park Commission (2004) - The project was for the engineering and construction of 2,980 linear feet of new trail in the Ashtabula Township Park along the Ashtabula River corridor. Improvements were made to an existing trail parking lot and an upgrade was made to nearby public restroom facilities. The trail project has allowed for a linkage to be made to the commercial/historic Harbor District and the downtown Ashtabula City Commercial District.
Cambridge Creek Crossing - City of Cambridge COTF (2004) – The project was for the engineering and construction of 4,700 linear feet of new bikeways. The trail provided a much need linkage to local schools, recreational fields and helps offer opportunities for nature and wildlife studies for township citizens.
North Coast Inland Trail - Fremont-Lindsay-Elmore - Stark County Park District (2004) – The project was for the engineering and construction of a 10-mile, paved section of the North Coast Inland Trail (NCIT). The NCIT was identified in the statewide trails plan and the trail provides a unique and much needed east to west connector for the nearby Pennsylvania, Michigan and Indiana trails when completed. The NCIT has provided direct, non-motorized transportation for 3,500 employees of Whirlpool Corporation in the city of Clyde. Also, within a three-mile radius of the NCIT, there are 25 major businesses employing over 4,000 people who have direct access to the trail.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For further information, contact:
Dameyon Shipley, ODNR Real Estate and Land Management
614. 265. 6646
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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