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The outlook for grants for the balance of calendar year 1996 is best described as mixed. The National
Recreation Trails Fund Act program is a bright spot with modest funding approved for the next two years. The
current authorization of the ISTEA Enhancements program is fully obligated and the long-term prospects for
the Land and Water program are uncertain at this time. ISTEA Enhancements funding will likely be a battle in
Congress next year when the new ISTEA (highway) bill is debated.

The three largest state programs (OSLAD, Bike Path and Boat Access) were over subscribed in 1995 as
follows:

OSLAD — amount available $12.7 million, requested $20 million (156% of available)
Bike Path — amount available $3 million, requested $3.9 million (130% of available)
Boat Access — amount available $1 million, requested $2.4 million (246% of available)

Most grant programs are very competitive. Probably the best tip for potential grant applicants is to start
early. This gives sponsors time to possibly modify and double check all aspects of an application and address
simple, easily corrected oversights that otherwise may lead to an unsuccessful application.

Another problem is simply not following grant application procedures by not providing required information or, conversely, providing too much information which requires grant evaluators to hunt for relevant
facts and possibly miss key points.

Common problems of unsuccessful projects last year included lack of up-to-date comprehensive plans,
little or no community involvement in reviewing the particular projects, and failure to meet basic site plan
design and current open space standards. Others included applications that lacked balance and diversity of
recreation opportunities or did not clearly state how the project would meet the objectives of the particular
grant programs.

Potential grant applicants are encouraged to speak with the respective granting agencies (see grants
matrix on pages 18 and 19) before submitting applications. Also helpful would be to discuss the process with
previous year's applicants, especially successful applicants with similar populations and project types. Grant
staffs can provide names as well as grant application forms and instructions.

It is also important that local agencies keep state legislators in the information loop regarding their particular needs for assistance. Existing state programs are likely to be funded at current levels, although grant
programs are often attacked in the legislature. For example, a bill was introduced in the Illinois House (HB 2900) which would make the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program a direct entitlement to counties and the City of Chicago based on their prorated generation of real estate transfer taxes. The Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with IAPD, will oppose this bill.

Ronald C. Hallberg, CLP, heads the Division of Grants Administration for the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources. 

Illinois Parks & Recreation * March/April 1996 * 17