The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for its Local Trail Connections Program.
Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
State: Minnesota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 03/31/2022
Size of the Grant: $250,000
Details:
The purpose of the program is to provide grants to local units of government to promote relatively short trail connections between where people live and desirable locations, not to develop significant new trails. Funding for this grant program is from “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds.
The Local Trail Connections Program depends on local communities and their local government representatives to provide inspiration, planning and commitment, as well as the local matching financial requirement, to make these trail projects a reality. Local governments complete the acquisition and/or projects and are reimbursed for a portion of the acquisition and/or project actually completed.
Funding Priorities
- Priority for trail project funding will be given to projects that provide significant connectivity.
- Considerations also include trail length, expected amount and type of use, and quality and attractiveness of natural and cultural resources.
Funding Information
The minimum grant request is $5,000, and the maximum grant award is $250,000.
Project Period
Projects cannot begin until all requested final documentation has been submitted and an agreement between the applicant and the state has been signed. Funded projects must begin promptly after an agreement has been signed. All work funded with FY 2023 appropriations must be completed no later than June 30, 2024.
Eligible Projects
Eligible projects may include, but are not necessarily limited to the following examples:
- Land acquisition from willing sellers, where value is established by a licensed and certified appraiser, whose conclusions of value are certified by the State, and only if perpetual easement for recreation trail purposes is conveyed to the state.
- Construction of trails on public or private lands where a twenty-year easement for the purpose of the project can be obtained.
- Development of trail linkages near homes and workplaces.
- Development of permanent trailside improvements and trailhead facilities (e.g., drainage, crossings, stabilization, parking, signage, controls, open-sided shelters, water, and sanitary facilities).
- Provision of features that facilitate access and use of trails by persons with disabilities.
- Restoration of existing trail facilities, such as resurfacing, repair, or rehabilitation of trails or trailhead facilities.
- Contracted maintenance of existing recreational trails.
- Construction or restoration of trail bridges.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include counties, cities, and townships.
For more information, visit Local Trail Connections Program.
