COLUMBUS, OH -- Eighty-one Ohio park districts, municipalities and non-profit organizations have applied for a share of $6.2 million in state funds available this year to construct new and expanded recreational trails, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The money, part of $25 million to be allocated over the next four years for trail construction, comes from the $400 million "Clean Ohio" bond issue that was initiated by Governor Bob Taft and approved by Ohio voters in November 2000. About half of "Clean Ohio" money is earmarked to preserve natural areas and farmland, protect streams and create outdoor recreational opportunities such as trails. The remaining $200 million is designated to clean up contaminated industrial sites or brownfields.
March 1 marked the deadline for submitting applications for the first round of "Clean Ohio" trail grants. The 81 applicants are seeking a total of $23.7 million. Awards will be based on very specific criteria developed by the Ohio General Assembly and the Clean Ohio Trails Advisory Board.
ODNR has also received 59 applications for $1.1 million in federal trail grant money that will be available in 2002. The 59 applicants are requesting $7.9 million in funds from the federal program.
Twenty-five park districts and municipalities from across Ohio applied for both federal and state trail grants. A list of successful trail grant applicants will be announced in the summer.