Grants Outlook 2004

By Robert F. Appleman, RLA

Setbacks in the state's economy have not boded well for even the most long-running programs offered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. These fiscal problems have affected the availability of fiscal year 2004 funds for such programs as the Bike Path, Recreational Trails (RTF) and Boat Access Area Development (BAAD) grant awards (see the table below). Similar problems affected the Open Lands Trust (OLT) program. Restoration of the fiscal year 2003 OLT funds did pass both houses before session adjourned. Unfortunately, numerous member initiatives through Illinois First or other line-item appropriations failed to be included in the IDNR's fiscal year 2004 appropriation bill. Current fiscal shortfalls suggest it is unlikely that previous appropriations will be restored soon.

While the outlook for fiscal year 2005 appears more settled, grant program funding levels will probably be the same or lower than in previous years. IDNR officials expect the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program funding level to remain steady at $20 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1. However, at least one or two changes to the OSLAD procedures will occur. Because of a motion passed by the Department's Natural Resources Advisory Board, applications for acquisition of property having an anticipated value greater than $1 million must include one certifiable appraisal of value. Department appraisers will review this appraisal to verify the stated value is reliable. The advisory board also moved to change how the IDNR values minority population percentages for applicants that are countywide agencies. In recent years, IDNR took the entire county's minority population into consideration during the project evaluation and rating. Starring with the fiscal year 2005 OSLAD cycle, only the minority percentages from the community(ies) directly affected by the proposed project will be used during evaluation and rating.

Although the federal Land and Water Conservation program (LWCF) funds were late in arriving, IDNR has now awarded the 2003 grants and the contracts are in place. The final 2003 apportionment of approximately $3.3 million should be close to the anticipated apportionment for 2004, although that amount has not been finalized. In keeping with recent practice, these funds will be included with OSLAD funds and granted through a joint program. The prospects for 2005 are even more undecided, as federal legislation continues to swing back and forth raising and lowering the proposed nationwide LWCF appropriation.

IDNR officials hope the new fiscal year sees the reestablishment of the Bike Path grant cycle, which unfortunately was cancelled for fiscal year 2004. Although the final funding level is currently unknown, the department expects the program will remain steady at $2.5 million. If the legislature restores reappropriation funding in the spring, the department will consider double funding the next cycle (combining fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2005 amounts) to catch up on unmet demands. There will be some changes to the application requirements for the upcoming spring cycle. Following concerns expressed by the Natural Resources Advisory Board, grantees will be limited to two (2) application submittals beginning with the fiscal year 2005 Bike Path grants. Additionally, the board approved lowering the priority given to projects co-funded through federal enhancement programs. This action was warranted because of excessive delays in execution and reimbursement of these co-funded projects.

The Boat Access Area Development and Recreational Trails programs both experienced problems similar to the Bike Path program, and the IDNR believes normal grant cycles will occur again in the next fiscal year.

The Museum Capital grant program has also experienced difficulties during the current fiscal year. The legislature established the funding at $9 million through two different appropriations, which rely on capital development bond funds. However, use of these capital development bond funds is under review. The current application period is still outstanding while this review and approval of the program's administrative rules continues. While it is likely a grant cycle will still occur this fiscal year, the exact date is undecided. Future prospects for the program appear good, although the IDNR has no indication of the final appropriation level.

Robert F. Appleman is the Operations Officer of the Office of Capital Development and the Acting Manager of the Division of Grant Administration for the Illinois Department of Natural Recourses.

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