State Awards $1.3 Million in Grants for Trails and Boating

News Release

For release: Nov. 1, 2005

Contact: Susan Zemek, 360-902-3081
E-mail: susanz@iac.wa.gov

State Awards $1.3 Million in Grants for Trails and Boating

OLYMPIA - Projects in 16 counties will receive funding totaling nearly $1.3 million to improve trails and boating facilities in Washington, the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation announced today.

The Interagency Committee is responsible for evaluating proposals and distributing funding for nine grant programs. In all, the agency received 64 proposals requesting more than $3 million in funding under two federal grant programs. The committee was able to meet less than half that demand because of limited funding.

"The rich diversity of Washington's recreational opportunities create a state that not only is a beautiful place to live but one that supports tourism, economic development and healthy lifestyles," said Laura Johnson, director of the Office of the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. "These grants invest money in maintaining that diversity and making sure there are opportunities for all types of activities."

Projects in the following counties were approved for funding. For details, click on the county.

Whatcom County $257,533

Yakima $39,700

Statewide $106,130

Following is a description of the two federal grant programs:

National Recreational Trails Program - Paid for by federal gasoline taxes, this grant program funds projects that repair and maintain recreational trails and facilities to provide a backcountry experience. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration and the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. A total of 61 proposals, requesting more than $2.1 million, were submitted. The Interagency Committee was able to award only 37 grants totaling more than $1.2 million.

Boating Infrastructure Grants - This program provides funding for recreational transient boating facilities, targeting the needs of recreational boats 26 feet and larger. Funding for the grants comes from a portion of the federal Aquatic Resources Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Interagency Committee received three proposals requesting more than $909,000. Only one project for $95,000 received a grant.

"The competition for these grants is high," Johnson said. "In times of shrinking budgets, this federal funding often can make the difference and allow communities to move forward with their projects. It's vital to keeping Washington a destination for outdoor recreation."

The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation was established in 1964 to finance recreation and conservation projects throughout the state. For more information on the agency or its grant programs, visit the Web site: www.iac.wa.gov.