Recreational Trails Program
CSFA Number: 422-11-1154
Agency Name
Department Of Natural Resources (422)
Agency Contact
Ann Fletcher
217 782 7481
dnr.grants@illinois.gov
Short Description
Provides funding assistance for acquisition, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of both motorized and non-motorized recreation trails. Must be open and available for general public use. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Funds passed thru IDOT to IDNR.
Federal Authorization
Federal Recreational Trails Program, created through the National Recreational Trails Fund Act enacted as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and reauthorized by MAP-21, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (P.L. 112-141) and 23 USC 206. Adopted at 39 Ill. Reg. 12333, effective August 21, 2015
Illinois Statue Authorization
Outdoor Recreation Resources Act [20 ILCS 860]
Illinois Administrative Rules Authorization
20 ILCS 805/805-70 20 ILCS 862/ (Recreational Trails of Illinois Act)
Objective
The acquisition, development and maintenance of public multi-use (both motorized and non-motorized) trails by eligible grantees through competitive reimbursement grants.
Prime Recipient
Yes
UGA Program Terms
ARTICLE XXVII AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY 27.1. Authorized Signatory. In processing this Award and related documentation, Grantor will only accept materials signed by the Authorized Signatory of this Agreement, as designated or prescribed herein in paragraph 1.6. Grantor will reject any materials signed or submitted on the Grantee’s behalf by anyone other than the Authorized Signatory. ARTICLE XXVIII ILLINOIS WORKS JOBS ACT 28.1. Illinois Works Jobs Program Act (30 ILCS 559/20-1 et seq.): For grants with an estimated total project cost of $500,000 or more, the grantee will be required to comply with the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative (30 ILCS 559/20-20 to 20-25) and all applicable administrative rules. The “estimated total project cost” is a good faith approximation of the costs of an entire project being paid for in whole or in part by appropriated capital funds to construct a public work. The goal of the Illinois Apprenticeship Initiative is that apprentices will perform either 10% of the total labor hours actually worked in each prevailing wage classification or 10% of the estimated labor hours in each prevailing wage classification, whichever is less. Grantees will be permitted to seek from the Department a waiver or reduction of this goal in certain circumstances pursuant to 30 ILCS 559/20-20(b). The grantee must ensure compliance for the life of the entire project, including during the term of the grant and after the term ends, if applicable, and will be required to report on and certify its compliance. ARTICLE XXIX ADDITIONAL BUDGET PROVISIONS 29.1. Restrictions on Discretionary Line-Item Transfers. The Grantee may transfer funds within budget line items of less and no more than ten percent of the limiting line item without Grantor approval. Any budget line item transfers greater than ten percent must be requested in advance by the Grantee and must be approved by the Grantor, requiring an amendment to the Grant Agreement/Budget. ARTICLE XXX ADDITIONAL TERMINATION, SUSPENSION, BILLING SCHEDULE AND NON-COMPLIANCE PROVISIONS 30.1. Remedies for Non-Compliance. If Grantor suspends or terminates this Agreement pursuant to Article XVI herein, Grantor may also elect any additional remedy allowed by law, including, but not limited to, one or more of the following remedies: (a) Direct the Grantee to refund some or all of the Grant Funds disbursed to it under this Agreement, (b) Direct the Grantee to remit an amount equivalent to the “Net Salvage Value” of all equipment or materials purchased with Grant Funds provided under this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, “Net Salvage Value” is defined as the amount realized, or that the Parties agree is likely to be realized from, the sale of equipment or materials purchased with Grant Funds provided under this Agreement at its current fair market value, less selling expenses; and, (c) Direct the Grantee to transfer ownership of equipment or materials purchased with Grant Funds provided under this Agreement to the Grantor or its designee. 30.2. Grant Refunds. In accordance with the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act, 30 ILCS 705/1 et seq., the Grantee must, within forty-five (45) days of the effective date of a termination of this Agreement, refund to Grantor, any balance of Grant Funds not spent or not obligated as of said date. ARTICLE XXXI ADDITIONAL MODIFICATION PROVISIONS 31.1. Unilateral Modifications. The Parties agree that Grantor may, in its sole discretion, unilaterally modify this Agreement without prior approval of the Grantee when the modification is initiated by Grantor for the sole purpose of increasing the Grantee’s funding allocation as additional funds become available for the Award during the program year covered by the Term of this Agreement. A unilateral modification may also be used to de-obligate funds without prior approval of the Grantee when, a) a project is completed and funds remain that are no longer needed for the grant project, b) to secure unobligated/unspent funds, c) termination of the Grant Agreement. 31.2. Term Extensions. The Grantee acknowledges that all Grant Funds must be expended or legally obligated, and all Grant Activities, Deliverables, Milestones and Performance Measures (Exhibits A, B and E) must be completed during the Grant Term set forth in paragraph 1.4 herein. Extensions of the Award Term will be granted only for good cause, subject to the Grantor’s discretion. Pursuant to the Grant Funds Recovery Act (30 ILCS 705/1 et seq.), no Award may be extended in total beyond a two (2)-year period unless the Grant Funds are expended or legally obligated during that initial two-year period, or unless Grant Funds are disbursed for reimbursement of costs previously incurred by the Grantee. If Grantee requires an extension of the Award Term, Grantee should submit a written request to the Grant Manager at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of the Award Term or extended Award Term, as applicable, stating the reason for the extension. ARTICLE XXXII ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY PROVISIONS 32.1. Equipment Management. The Grantee is responsible for replacing or repairing equipment and materials purchased with Grant Funds that are lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed. Any loss, damage or theft of equipment and materials shall be investigated and fully documented, and immediately reported to the Grantor and, where appropriate, the appropriate authorities. 32.2. Grantee will be responsible for the maintenance of any equipment purchased with grant funds. ARTICLE XXXII APPLICABLE STATUTES To the extent applicable, Grantor and Grantee shall comply with the following: 33.1. Grantee Responsibility. All applicable federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations governing the performance required by Grantee shall apply to this Agreement and will be deemed to be included in this Agreement the same as though written herein in full. Grantee is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, but not limited to those specifically referenced herein. Except where expressly required by applicable laws and regulations, the Grantor shall not be responsible for monitoring Grantee's compliance. 33.2. Land Trust/Beneficial Interest Disclosure Act (765 ILCS 405/2.1). No Grant Funds shall be paid to any trustee of a land trust, or any beneficiary or beneficiaries of a land trust, for any purpose relating to the land, which is the subject of such trust, any interest in such land, improvements to such land or use of such land unless an affidavit is first filed with the Grantor identifying each beneficiary of the land trust by name and address and defining such interest therein. 33.3. Historic Preservation Act (20 ILCS 3420/1 et seq.). The Grantee will not expend Grant Funds under this Agreement which result in the destruction, alteration, renovation, transfer or sale, or utilization of a historic property, structure or structures, or in the introduction of visual, audible or atmospheric elements to a historic property, structure or structures, which will result in the change in the character or use of any historic property, except as approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division. The Grantee shall not expend Grant Funds under this Agreement for any project, activity, or program that can result in changes in the character or use of historic property, if any historic property is located in the area of potential effects without the approval of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division. 20 ILCS 3420/3(f). 33.4. Steel Products Procurement Act (30 ILCS 565 et seq.). The Grantee, if applicable, hereby certifies that any steel products used or supplied in accordance with this Award for a public works project shall be manufactured or produced in the United States per the requirements of the Steel Products Procurement Act (30 ILCS 565 et seq.). ARTICLE XXXIV ADDITIONAL MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 34.1. Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Social Security, Retirement and Health Insurance Benefits, and Taxes. The Grantee shall provide Workers’ Compensation insurance where the same is required and shall accept full responsibility for the payment of unemployment insurance, premiums for Workers’ Compensation, Social Security and retirement and health insurance benefits, as well as all income tax deduction and any other taxes or payroll deductions required by law for its employees who are performing services specified by this Agreement. ARTICLE XXXV ADDITIONAL REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS The Grantee makes the following certifications as a condition of this Agreement. These certifications are required by State statute and are in addition to any certifications required by any Federal funding source as set forth in this Agreement. Grantee’s execution of this Agreement shall serve as its attestation that the certifications made herein are true and correct. 35.1. Compliance With Applicable Law. The Grantee certifies that it shall comply with all applicable provisions of federal, state and local law in the performance of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. 35.2. Applicable Taxes. The execution of this Agreement by the Grantee is its certification that (i) it is current as to the filing and payment of any federal, state and/or local taxes applicable to Grantee; and (ii) it is not delinquent in its payment of moneys owed to any federal, state, or local unit of government. 35.3. Lien Waivers. If applicable, the Grantee shall monitor construction to assure that necessary contractor’s affidavits and waivers of mechanics liens are obtained prior to release of Grant Funds to contractors and subcontractors. ARTICLE XXXVI INCORPORATION 36.1. Incorporation into Agreement. The full Uniform Application, Unform Budget, Grant Manual, and attached documents are hereby incorporated into this Agreement and therefore are a part of this Agreement. ARTICLE XXXVII GRANT PROGRAM SPECIFIC TERMS
Eligible Applicants
Government Organizations; Nonprofit Organizations; For-Profit Organizations; Small Businesses; Individuals;
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible grant applicants include federal, State and local government agencies, not-for-profit organizations and private operators of recreational facilities open to the public.
Beneficiary Eligibility
N/A
Types of Assistance
Project Grants
Subject / Service Area
Quality of Natural, Cultural, and Environmental Resources
Credentials / Documentation
N/A
Preapplication Coordination
Applications must be received by March 17, 2023 by 5:00pm. Funding decisions may take up to 1 year.
Application Procedures
IDNR will publish pre-application coordination opportunities on our website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/AEG/Pages/FederalRecreationalTrailsProgram.aspx
Criteria Selecting Proposals
Evaluation Criteria The following criteria will be used by the Department for evaluating and ranking grant applications. Each criterion indicates the weighting that will be given to that criterion. 1. Projects of high need (20%): • Trail significance - the estimated users that will be attracted to the trail/trail site; will it have potential for interstate, State, regional or local importance • Geographic distribution – will the proposed project, considering the trail type and proposed users of the trail or site, be the first in the county, area, or region • Population served. 2. Project concept and quality (55%): • Project type: i. acquisition of land for new trails/trail sites; ii. initial development of trails/trail sites; iii. additional development of existing trails/trail sites; and iv. renovation of existing trails/trail facilities; • Trail length; • Diversity of trail use; • Scenic quality of the trail corridor or the trail site; • Availability of necessary amenities/support facilities, such as drinking water, restrooms and parking; and • Project sponsor maintenance capabilities and projects having the most long-term, stable management potential. 3. Environmental suitability of the proposed trail/trail site (5%). 4. Local support for the proposed project (5%). 5. Local financial contribution (5%). 6. Overall program suitability (5%). The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds to the States to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Federal transportation funds benefit recreation including hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, or using other offroad motorized vehicles. 7. Applicant/Application factors (5%). Consideration is given to the applicant's past performance in completing Department grant projects or unresolved project violations, maintenance history of existing sites, and administrative considerations (such as application completeness and response time during the application process). Review and Selection Process All applications received on time and containing the information required by the application packet will be reviewed by IDNR staff. Incomplete applications will be discussed with the applicant for completion and resubmittal. Submitting an incomplete application does not extend the application deadline beyond the designated deadline date. All complete, eligible and timely applications will be reviewed for evaluation and recommendation to the IDNR Director, who makes the final decision on awards. Merit-based Review Appeals Process In compliance with GATA, applicants have the right to appeal the evaluation process but not the evaluation score. More information is available at: http://ilga.gov/commission/JCAR/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.html
Award Procedures
Each applicant will be notified by letter and/or email of the Director’s decision regarding whether their application will be recommendation to FHWA. The full process can take up to 1 year.
Deadlines
Award cycle dates may vary.
Range of Approval or Disapproval Time
Funding decisions may take up to 1 year.
Appeals
Appeals pursuant To 44 Il Admin Code 7000.350
Renewals
No cost extensions are allowed with prior DNR approval.
Formula Matching Requirements
Grants are up to 80% reimbursement (no advance payments) and requires a minimum 20% non-federal funding match.Funded through federal off-road vehicle motor fuel taxes from Federal Highway Administration. 30% of each state's annual apportionment is to be used for motorized trails, 30% for non-motorized trails and 40% for diversified trails. The Department takes 25% of the annual appropriation for DNR site trails and the remaining is used for local grants. No maximum dollar amount.
Uses and Restrictions
30% of each state's annual apportionment is to be used for motorized trails, 30% for non-motorized trails and 40% for diversified trails.
Reports
The grantee is required to submit the following reports: Periodic Performance Report (PPR) that describes the progress of the project, and the Periodic Financial Report (PFR) that documents expenditure of funds in accordance with the budget line items as detailed in the approved Uniform Budget.
Audits
Audit requirements per JCAR Title 44 Illinois Administrative Code 7000.90
Records
All financial records on approved projects must be maintained and retained, in accordance with State laws, by the project sponsor for possible State audit after final reimbursement payment is made by the Department.
Account Identification
422-11-1154
Obligations
TBD
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Maximum award amount is $200,000 for development projects.
Program Accomplishments
The funding allocation for Illinois is used to assist units of government, not-for-profit organizations, and private operators of recreational facilities open to the public in the rehabilitation, development, maintenance, and acquisition of recreational trails and related facilities
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
The federal "Recreational Trails Program" (RTP), was created through the National Recreational Trail Fund Act (NRTFA) as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and re-authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
Regional or Local Assistance Location
N/A
Headquarters Office
One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702
Program Website
https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/AEG/Pages/FederalRecreationalTrailsProgram.aspx
Example Projects
This program provides funding assistance for acquisition, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of both motorized and non-motorized recreation trails. By law, 30% of each states' RTP funding must be earmarked for motorized trail projects, 30% for non-motorized trail projects and the remaining 40% for multi-use (diversified) motorized and non-motorized trails or a combination of either.
Published Date
1/17/2023
Funding By Fiscal Year
FY 2017 : $1,500,000
FY 2018 : $1,500,000
FY 2019 : $1,500,000
FY 2020 : $1,500,000
FY 2021 : $750,000
FY 2022 : $750,000
FY 2023 : $3,000,000
Federal Funding
Notice of Funding Opportunities
Agency IDAward RangeApplication Range
Agency IDGrantee NameStart DateEnd DateAmount
RTP-23-178Trail Recreation Effingham County09/15/202309/14/2025200,000
RTP-23-182Forest Preserve District of Kane County09/15/202309/14/2025200,000
RTP 23-176Decatur Park District09/16/202309/15/2025200,000
RTP 23-177City of East Peoria09/15/202309/14/2025200,000
RTP 23-175City of Crystal Lake09/15/202309/14/2025200,000