ODNR RECOMMENDS 13 LOCAL PROJECTS FOR FUNDING
THROUGH THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM
Nearly $1.2 million designated for a variety of motorized and non-motorized trails

COLUMBUS, OH – Local trail projects in 13 communities were recently recommended by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to receive a total of $1,197,500 in grants from the federal Recreational Trails Program. Projects funded encompass both motorized and non-motorized trails.

“Recreational trails are a great, economical way to both improve public access to nature and promote economic development,” said Sean D. Logan, ODNR director. “Ohio’s steadily growing network of trails will benefit from the wise use of these federal dollars.”

The U.S. Federal Highway Administration, through a portion of the federal gasoline tax, supports the Recreational Trails Program, which is administered in Ohio by ODNR. The department reviews local applications and recommends grant recipients for final federal approval. That approval is expected in the next several months.

The federal government provides up to 80 percent reimbursement for trail projects through each grant, while local project sponsors are responsible for the remaining amount.

Of the 59 applications received, 13 were recommended to receive grants.

Among the largest grants recommended are: $200,000 to the Toledo-area Metropolitan Park District for the north-south connector (Phase 3B) of the Wabash Cannonball Trail in Lucas County; $160,000 to the U.S.D.A. Forest Service for the Monday Creek Trail System in Perry and Hocking counties; and $160,000 to the City of Marietta for phase two of the River Trail in Washington County.

More than 170 local trail projects across the state have been awarded approximately $13 million in federal funds through the Recreational Trails Program since 1993.

-30-

For Additional Information Contact:
Mary Fitch, ODNR Division of Real Estate & Land Management
(614) 265-6477
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860