Office of Systems Planning - Iowa Department of Transportation

Back

Sources for Trail Funding

Funding Function	Program Name	Contact Information	Brief Description
Trail Development Application Deadlines: 7/1 - Dependant upon Funding - Availability Estimated Funding: $1,000,000 to $2,000,000	State Recreational Trails Program	Iowa Department of Transportation Trails Program Manager Office of Systems Planning 515-239-1252 www.iowadot.gov www.iowadot.gov/forms	The State Recreational Trails Program funds public recreational trails. The grant requires a 25% local match and the trail must be maintained as a public facility for a minimum of 20 years. Proposed projects must be part of a statewide, regional, area-wide, or local trail plan.
Trail Development Application Deadline: 10/1 Estimated Funding: $1,000,000	Federal Recreational Trails Program	Iowa Department of Transportation Trails Program Manager Office of Systems Planning 515-239-1252 www.iowadot.gov www.iowadot.gov/forms	The National Recreational Trails Fund is a federal granting program with a 20% local match. It can be used to construct and maintain motorized and non-motorized recreational trails and trail related projects.
Trail Development Application Deadline: 10/1 Estimated Funding: $4,000,000	Federal Transportation Enhancements Program - Statewide	Iowa Department of Transportation Transportation Enhancements Program Manager Office of Systems Planning (515) 239-1621 www.iowadot.gov or www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/index.htm	The Federal Transportation Enhancements Program funds enhancement or preservation activities of transportation related projects. Trail projects may fall into one of three categories: trails and bikeways, historic preservation, or scenic and natural resources. A 30% local match is required.
Trail Development Application Deadline: Varies Estimated Funding: Varies	Transportation Enhancements Program - Regional	Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Regional Planning Affiliations (RPA) Contact information for MPOs and RPAs	The Federal Transportation Enhancements Program funds enhancement or preservation activities of transportation related projects. Trail projects may fall into one of three categories: trails and bikeways, historic preservation, or scenic and natural resources. A 20% local match is required.
Trail Development Application Deadline: 10/1 Estimated Funding: $5,000,000	Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program	Iowa Department of Transportation ICAAP Manager (515) 239-1681 www.iowadot.gov Application for ICAAP Funds	The Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program funds street, transit, or trail projects that help maintain Iowa’s clean air quality by reducing transportation related emissions. A 20% local match is required and application forms must be submitted with emission reduction calculations.
Trail Development and Amenities Application Deadline: 3/15 Estimated Funding: $1.700,000	Land and Water Conservation Fund	Iowa Department of Natural Resources Sherry Arntzen Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division Wallace State Office Building Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 242-6233 www.iowadnr.com	The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides 50% grants for acquisition and development of outdoors recreation areas and facilities. Grants are made to the State of Iowa or its political subdivisions.
Building Repair and Renovation, Trail Construction CURRENTLY NOT FUNDED	Recreation Infrastructure Grant Program	Iowa Department of Natural Resources Arnie Sohn Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division Wallace State Office Building Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-5814 www.iowadnr.com/	This program provides 1/3 grants to cities, counties, organizations, and associations for repair, renovation, and/or replacement of vertical infrastructure and trails.
Corridor Protection and Greenway Establishment Deadline: 8/15 Estimated Funding: $3.500,000	Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP)	Iowa Department of Natural Resources Ron Harrison Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division Wallace State Office Building Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-5973 www.iowadnr.com/	REAP provides 100% grants to cities and counties for open space protection and passive outdoor recreation.
Trail Development Generally deals with federal lands of which are not germane to property located in Iowa	Federal Supply Service	General Services Administration’s Federal Supply Service pub.fss.gsa.gov/property	Surplus items are used by state and local public agencies for carrying out or promoting one or more public purposes, such as conservation, parks, and recreation, by certain non-profit organizations for tax-exempt activities for public health or education purposes. Donated land could be used for the creation of trails, parks and open space.
Trail Development	Economic Development Administration	United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration www.doc.gov/eda/html/prgtitle.htm	This agency offers grants for public facilities, including port facilities, tourism facilities, planning assistance etc. Public works projects can include trail and other recreational facilities. - 50% Match
Trail Development 1803 Deadlines: March, July and December Funding: $41,800,000	Wildlife Conservation and Appreciation	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (703) 358-2156 or (800) 344-9453 www.fws.gov/	The Wildlife Conservation and Appreciation program funds initiatives for which the principal purpose is to provide opportunities for the public to use and enjoy fish and wildlife through non-consumptive activities. Uses: Trail Development and Acquisition pertaining to non-game wildlife enjoyment, including trails and waterways.
Trail Development Rivers & Trails does not provide financial assistance Partners: community organizations, tribes, tribal, local and State governments	The Rivers & Trails Conservation Assistance Program	National Park Service Brian Leaders 601 Riverfront Drive Omaha, NE 68102-4226 (402) 661-1568 www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca	Established to increase demand to conserve rivers and provide trail opportunities. RTCA assists by: building partnerships, assessing resources, developing concept plans, public participation, and identifying potential sources of funding
Trail Development Application deadline: March 1 to June 1 each year. Awards made in early fall	Bikes Belong	Bikes Belong Coalition, Ltd. 1368 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446-2800 (617) 734-2111 bikesbelong.org/site/index.cfm	Sponsored by members of the American Bicycle Industry - Their goal is putting more people on bikes. They seek to assist local organizations, agencies, and citizens in developing bicycle facilities that will be funded by TEA-21. Matching grants up to $10,000 are awarded.
Trail Development	Community Attractions and Tourism (CAT)	Iowa Department of Economic Development Nicole Warren 200 E. Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 242-4827 www.visioniowa.org/cat.html	The Community Attractions and Tourism (CAT) Program funds community attractions and tourism development activities that enhance the economic impact of tourism. Some trails may meet these criteria. 50% Matching Funds
Trail Development and Improvement	The National Trails Endowment	American Hiking Society Attn: National Trails Endowment 1422 Fenwick Lane Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.americanhiking.org/alliance/fund.html www.americanhiking.org/index.html	The National Trails Endowment was established to provide grants to trail organizations working to establish, protect and maintain America's foot trails. Grants will be awarded to trail organizations and other non-profits with a trail-related focus.
Trail Development and Improvement	Community Facilities Loans	Community Facilities Loans www.rurdev.usda.gov/	Community facilities loans fund the construction, enlargement, extension or otherwise improvement of community facilities. Trail benefits could include improved access through utilities extensions.
Trail Development, Maintenance, Land Acquisition Deadline: July 1	Snowmobile Grants	Iowa Department of Natural Resources David Downing Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division 502 East 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-3449 www.iowadnr.com/	The DNR Snowmobile Trail grants offer funding for the development of riding areas, trail maintenance, equipment purchases, trail groomers, insurance, and land acquisition. 25% local Match
Trail Development and Maintenance Deadlines: April 1 & Oct. 1	ATV Trail Grants	Iowa Department of Natural Resources David Downing Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division 502 East 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-3449 www.iowadnr.com/	The DNR ATV Trail grants offer funding for the development of public riding areas, trail maintenance, equipment purchases, trail groomers, insurance, and land acquisition. 25% local Match.
Trail Development and Maintenance	Americorps	Americorps www.americorps.org OR Iowa Department of Natural Resources Whitney Davis Parks, Recreation, and Preserves Division Wallace State Office Building Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-8959 www.iowadnr.com/	Americorps is a national volunteer program in which agencies, communities, or non-profit groups can sponsor personnel to assist in a variety of activities. Funds must be used to operate or plan community service programs. Programs could include trail building, environmental education and community restoration work.
Trail Development and Preservation Activities	Grant	Watchable Wildlife / Forest Legacy Program John Walkowiak Forestry Services Bureau 502 East 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-5966 www.iowadnr.com/ www.iowadnr.com/forestry/aonr3.html	Purpose: to manage wildlife resources and people and to provide sustainable recreational benefits to those who wish to observe, photograph and otherwise enjoy wildlife through activities other than hunting and fishing. This program presents opportunities to enhance the attractiveness of a trail and as a means of increasing public awareness of wildlife.
Trail Development & Preservation	Conservation Alliance	Conservation Alliance John sterling 259 West Santa Clara Street Ventura, CA 93001 www.conservationalliance.com/ (805) 667-4741	The Conservation Alliance was founded to fund grassroots conservation organizations and their efforts to protect rivers, trails, and wild lands for non-motorized recreation. Grants are made annually.
Trail Promotion, Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Promotion	Honda	www.honda.com/ OR corporate.honda.com/america/	American Honda Motor Co., Inc. provides grants for projects that create partnerships and promote OHV recreation and club development.
Trail Safety and Grants Deadline: Quarterly	Polaris	Contact: Director of Programs The Polaris Foundation 1225 Highway 169 No. Minneapolis, MN 55441-5078 (612)513-3485 www.polarisindustries.com/	Polaris Foundation, provides grants for education, community/direct social services, health, arts and In-kind (Polaris product) to snowmobile and ATV clubs or other associations to help fund safety related projects Requests by Individuals, private foundations, politically affiliated programs, fraternal or veteran’s organizations, courtesy advertising and for-profit organizations will not be considered.
Bicycle and Pedestrian facilities and Transportation Planning activities Application Deadlines: Varies Funding: Varies	Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP)	Iowa Department of Transportation Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Regional Planning Alliances (RPA) Contact information for MPOs and RPAs	Transit capital improvements, Bicycle and Pedestrian facilities and Transportation Planning activities 20% local match
Activities associated with a state or nationally designated Scenic Byway Funding: Discretionary	National Scenic Byways Program	Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Systems Planning 800 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010 (515) 239-1369 www.byways.org/	Improvements associated with state and federally designated Scenic Byways 20% local match
Planning and implementation to improve transportation efficiency and reduce environmental impacts Deadline: Varies	Transportation and Community and System Preservation (TCSP)	Iowa Department of Transportation Contact the district engineer for the area	Planning and implementation to improve transportation efficiency and reduce environmental impacts – limited research funding
Traffic operation and safety problems on primary roads outside incorporated cities Deadline: None	County-State Traffic Engineering Program (C-STEP)	Iowa Department of Transportation Contact the district engineer for the area	Open to All Iowa Counties Match varies by Jurisdiction
Traffic engineering assistance Funding: $125,000	Iowa Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (TEAP)	Iowa Department of Transportation Contact the district engineer for the area	Open to Iowa cities and counties without a staff traffic engineer
Traffic safety improvements or studies on public roads Deadline: August 15 Funding: $4,000,000	Traffic Safety Improvement Program	Iowa Department of Transportation Contact the district engineer for the area	Uses: Traffic safety, traffic control, research
Traffic operation and safety issues on the primary road system Deadline: None	Urban-State Traffic Engineering Program (U-STEP)	Iowa Department of Transportation Contact the district engineer for the area	Open to All Iowa Cities Match varies by Jurisdiction
Construction of ADA compliant curb ramps system Deadline: None	Pedestrian Curb Ramp Construction Program	Iowa Department of Transportation Contact the district engineer for the area	Open to All Iowa Cities 45% local match
Roadside beautification of primary system corridors Funding: $300,000 Deadline: None	DOT/DNR Fund	Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Design 800 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010 (515) 239-1424	Open to any tax-levying body
Roadside beautification of primary system corridors Deadline: August 31	Living Roadway Trust Fund	Iowa Department of Transportation Contact the district engineer for the area www.iowalivingroadway.com/
Support and Improvement of locally sponsored public transit programs Deadline: April 1 Funding: Varies	State Transit Assistance (STA)	Iowa Department of Transportation Office of Public Transit (515) 239-1872 www.iatransit.com/	Open to local urban and regional transit officials No local match
Trail Development and Health Promotion Deadline: July 15	Grant Center for Disease Control CDC	Center for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/od/pgo/funding/grantmain.htm STEPS, based on the President's Healthier US Initiative, which highlights the influence that healthy lifestyles and behaviors--such as making healthful nutritional choices, being physically active, and avoiding tobacco use and exposure--have in achieving and maintaining good health for persons of all ages. STEPS works through public-private partnerships at the community level to support community-driven programs that enable persons to adopt healthy lifestyles that contribute directly to the prevention, delay, and/or mitigation of the consequences of diabetes, asthma and obesity.	STEPS, a bold new initiative. The centerpiece of this initiative is a five-year cooperative agreement program to create healthier communities by improving the lives of Americans through innovative and effective community –based health promotion and chronic disease prevention and control programs.

Funding Concepts

Funding Function	Type of Funding	Contact Information	Brief Description
Land Acquisition and Trail Development	Purchase Assistance	Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation 505 5th Avenue, Suite 444 Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 288-1846 www.inhf.org/	The INHF can offer assistance in land acquisition by purchasing land on behalf of local or state governments. The INHF can typically move more quickly than a government agency, and can purchase land and hold it for eventual sale to a public interest.

Fundraising Examples

Funding Function	Type of Funding	Contact Information	Brief Description
Trail Development Great Bear Creek Greenway	Fundraising	Jackson County, Oregon Karen Smith (541) 774-6231 smithks@jacksoncounty.org	In addition to the usual fundraising events of membership drives, silent auctions and direct appeals, the Greenway Foundation has held a successful Yard Sale for the last four years. For $40, a person can purchase a symbolic "yard" of the trail and have their name added to the donor list. A future permanent marker at each trailhead will bear the name of the contributor and the section to which they contributed.
Trail Development	Fundraising	Apollo, Pennsylvania	The people of Apollo, Pennsylvania, wanted to purchase 300 acres of undeveloped land for use in future trails and green-space. They sold honorary acres at $400 each, which meant each purchaser could have honorary ownership of one acre of the land. More than 100 acres were sold, raising $40,000. This amount, in addition to TE awards and other funds, enabled Apollo to buy the land.

Trail Implementation Policies

When implementing trail projects, local and state communities and agencies should consider the established policies and guidance of a variety of state agencies. Such adherence to state policy is essential if state funding is being used.

Trail Development and Maintenance - Local Funding Mechanisms

Trails may be developed, managed, and maintained using local funds. There are numerous ways such funds can be dedicated for trail use. Bond referenda, assessments, special financing districts, park/trail dedication, or general fund money may be used at a local government’s discretion. Often, this money is used as the local match for other federal or state trail grants.

Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Parks

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently adopted a policy on OHV park acquisition and development. A working group led by the DNR, which included a variety of stakeholders, formulated this policy. The working group determined that the first consideration of the DNR in any decision to buy, lease and/or develop a tract as an OHV facility will be to assure that the piece of land which will become an OHV riding area is disturbed and degraded so that it does not contain native plant communities, cultural resources or critical habitat for threatened and endangered species or species of special concern. To that end, the DNR will target previously disturbed areas for OHV facilities. Previously disturbed areas include but are not limited to agricultural lands (including logging and pasturing of timbered ground), mining or other intensive land uses that have resulted in the elimination of high-quality natural areas, native plant communities, critical habitats and cultural resources. If a tract contains fragments of high-quality natural areas it will be managed and contained as an off-limit site. The DNR’s policy also contains specific information on acquisition criteria.

Bicycle Accommodation Guidance

Based on guidance adopted by the Iowa DOT in 1999, Iowa Trails 2000 has developed a method for evaluating the need for priority bicycle and pedestrian trails within highway rights-of-way. All jurisdictions responsible for roads, streets, and highways should consider the development of a similar policy.