New Bicycle Path Acquisition
And Development Grant Program

Conservation Director Mark Frech announced that local governments have until March 1 to apply for grants from the new bicycle path acquisition and development program.

"I urge all those eligible to seek funding for their projects," Freeh said. "There is a significant demand for bicycle trails throughout the state and we expect heavy competition for the available dollars."

The Department will administer the program to assist local governments in acquiring and developing locally maintained areas for public bicycle paths.

Frech said the program is expected to provide about $2 million annually for the grants through the imposition of a $2 increase in the fee for motor vehicle titles.

"All local units of government authorized by law to operate and maintain bicycle trails will be eligible for the grants, which are reimbursements providing up to 50 percent of a project's total cost," Frech said. "Initially, grant awards for development will be limited to $200,000. No limit has been set for acquisition projects."

Grant awards are expected to be announced by midsummer.

In addition to land acquisition, eligible path development costs include site clearing and grading, drainage, surfacing, bridging, fencing, access control devices, signage and associated support facilities.

"We encourage local governments to operate and maintain these public trails to promote multiple uses year round," Frech said.

All grant applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis, based on various criteria including population served, other trail opportunities in the area, trail length and accessibility and a variety of physical and environmental factors.

Applications may be obtained from the Department of Conservation, Technical Services/Grants Section, Room 320, 524 S. Second St., Springfield, Ill., 62701. •

February 1990 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 23