COLUMBUS, OH - Application forms are now available for Clean Ohio Fund grants to develop and improve trails across the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Over the next four years, $25 million will be distributed to local governments, park districts, conservancy districts and non-profit organizations to purchase trailways and develop recreational trails.
Whether for hiking, biking, horseback riding or rollerblading, trail-based recreation has become more and more popular with Ohioans, said ODNR Director Sam Speck. State grants from the Clean Ohio Fund will help to fulfill the vision of a statewide system of recreational trails to serve this growing need.
The Clean Ohio Fund, proposed by Governor Bob Taft in his 2000 State of the State address, and approved by Ohio voters last November as State Issue 1, provides $400 million to preserve natural areas and farmland, protect streams and create outdoor recreational opportunities. It also provides funding to revitalize urban areas by returning contaminated properties to productive use.
ODNR coordinates the $25 million portion of Clean Ohio Funds dedicated to trail development.
Funding priority will be given to projects that are: consistent with the statewide trails plan; complete regional trails systems and links to the statewide trails plan; link population centers with outdoor recreation areas and facilities; involve the purchase of rail lines linked to the statewide trails plan; preserve natural corridors; and provide links in urban areas to support commuter access and provide economic benefit.
Applicants must provide a 25 percent local match, which can include contributions of land, labor or materials. Deadline for the current round of applications is March 1, 2002. Applications will be accepted for trail projects for the next four consecutive years.
A nine-member Clean Ohio Trail Advisory Board, recently appointed by Governor Taft, includes representatives of local governments, statewide nonprofit organizations dedicated to the creation of recreational trails, developers, land-use planners and environmental organizations. The Advisory Board helped ODNR identify funding criteria and other policies for the grant program.
More information is available by calling 614-265-6402 or on the Internet at www.dnr.state.oh.us/cleanohiofund