| Federal Recreational Trail grant information
The grant application form can be found on the DOT web site, or click here.
The Concept Statement form for grant recipients is also on the DOT web site.
Water trails are eligible for funding through the RTP and thus they are
included (with brief but adequate information provided) in the Iowa Trails 2000 plan.
Federal funds will pay up to 80% of eligible expenses. (Note: There may
be project expenses that are not eligible to be funded through the program.)
This is a reimbursement program, meaning that the project sponsor will be reimbursed for
eligible expenses incurred after adequate documentation has been submitted to DOT staff.
There is no "up front" funding. Projects can have as many cosponsors as is
necessary, but the primary sponsor must be a public agency. The primary sponsor is
responsible for coordinating the project's development, paying the bills, submitting the
bills for reimbursement, and the project's maintenance. Some of these responsibilities
(coordination of the development and the maintenance) can be sub-contracted, but the
public agency remains the responsible party.
I recommend that one agency coordinate the application for about 100 miles of
river. Check out some of the examples of projects I'd
like to see replicated.
Common Themes:
Facilites
Use the Iowa water trail sign logo.
This is a 20 year commitment. Participants agree to maintain their project open to
the public for at least 20 years after its completion
Please consider adding boat ramps above and below low head dams, and portage
trails to connect them. Also, try to add new boat ramps along sections that are
greater than 10 miles between boat ramps. Where possible, convert low head dams to
tapered rock rapids.
Trail signs should be posted on major highways and at every turn leading to the boat ramp.
Signs should be visible from both directions.
High priority is rest rooms at boat ramps. (above the highwater mark)
Include costs for a brochure with maps and attractions.
Planning costs are eligible if part of the overall project. (Note: Planning/design
costs associated with a specific project are eligible for funding if they are incurred
after Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approval. Planning costs to develop a
regional plan are not eligible.)
Matching Funds
Matching funds must be at least 20% of the eligible expenses. Only costs for
materials and services that can be documented are eligible to be used. Volunteer
services are not eligible. Donated services (such as an attorney donating his time as an
attorney) that can be documented can be used.
Law enforcement costs (patrolling the boat ramps) are not eligible as a match.
Making sure that boat ramps and campgrounds are patrolled needs to be in the grant.
The costs for DOT to put up sign on bridges would only be a match if the DOT (contact
district offices) is a grant partner, and if the costs were incurred after FWHA approval.
Signs should be upstream and downstream. Water trails are for motorized as
well as non-motorized.
Sources of matching funds: The Iowa Water Trail Association, Sporting Goods and
Outdoor retailers, Power Boating clubs, sales of caps, shirts, and coffee mugs with the
water trail logo. (Note: You can match RTP funds with proceeds from promotional items that
you purchase with other funds. You can't use RTP funds to buy promotional items.)
Cities, Regional planning agencies, DNR, other non-profits should be contacted to help
with the 20% match.
Emphasize that your section of the trail links up with other river trails and bike trails. |