State Awards $6 Million in Grants for Recreation Projects

OLYMPIA - Projects in 24 counties will receive funding totaling more than $6 million to improve trails, boating facilities and firearm and archery ranges 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 100 proposals requesting more than $12 million in funding under three grant programs.  The committee was able to meet only about half that demand because of limited funding.

"Washington has a great variety of places to recreate, whether you like to go boating, hike a trail, or practice archery," said Laura Johnson, director of the Office of the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation.  "These grants play a vital role in keeping those opportunities available. They do everything from building new trails to adding lanes at a boat launch. They help us maintain what we have and add new elements to accommodate increased use."

Projects in the following counties were approved for funding.  For details, click on the county or visit http://www.iac.wa.gov/

Chelan County
$862,536

Clark County
$72,953

Franklin County
$450,000

Grant County
$120,168

Island County
$179,866

Jefferson County
$73,000

King County
$543,008

Kitsap County
$103,701

Kittitas County
$655,810

Lewis County
$166,600

Mason County
$183,201

Okanogan County
$262,784

Pacific County
$25,600

Pend Oreille County
$112,600

Pierce County
$1 million

Snohomish County
$79,000

Spokane County
$235,205

Thurston County
$51,264

Wahkiakum County
$72,952

Walla Walla County
$11,000

Whatcom County
$50,000

Yakima County
$571,414

Following is a description of the three grant programs: 

Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) Program -- These grants fund projects that develop and manage recreation opportunities for bicyclists, equestrians, hikers, off-road vehicle riders and other users of backcountry trails and non-highway roads (roads not supported by the state gas tax).  Grants can be used for planning, development, maintenance, operation, land acquisition, education and enforcement.  Funding for this program comes from a portion of the gas tax paid by users of off-road vehicles and non-highway roads and a small amount from off-road vehicle permits.  A total of 79 proposals, requesting more than $6.6 million, were submitted.  The Interagency Committee was able to award only 49 grants totaling more than $4.2 million.

Boating Facilities Program - This program provides grants for projects that acquire, develop and renovate boating facilities.  Funding comes from a portion of gas tax paid by boaters.  The Interagency Committee received 17 proposals, requesting more than $5.3 million but was able to award only seven projects for slightly more than $1.7 million.

Firearms and Archery Range Recreation Program - This program provides funding to acquire, develop and renovate nonprofit firearm range and archery training and practice facilities.  It also funds equipment purchases, safety or environmental improvements, noise abatement and liability protection.  The Interagency Committee received four proposals for $200,000 and was able to fund all four.

"There was quite a range of high quality projects competing for funding," Johnson said.  "That shows that the need is great.  We have very active citizens, not to mention visitors, and they expect recreation opportunities to be available and in good condition. These grants help to ensure they are not disappointed."

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.

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