Governor Announces Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Program Grants

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan today announced grants totaling $156,700 to develop a new off-highway vehicle recreation area in western Illinois, to enhance an existing trail riding area in central Illinois, and to fund a trail education and safety program in southern Illinois.

The grants are through the Illinois Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Trails Program.

"This program helps provide access and a safe place for off-road, motorized recreation for those residents and visitors to Illinois who enjoy riding all-terrain vehicles and off-road motorcycles," Ryan said.

The program, which provides up to 100 percent reimbursement for approved project costs, is administered by the Department of Natural Resources. It is funded through titling fees for off-highway motorcycles and ATVs and through the sale of public access stickers required to be displayed on all vehicles operated at sites receiving grant assistance.

Grants may be awarded for the acquisition of land from willing sellers, construction and maintenance of OHV sites, restoration of areas damaged by OHV use and rider education and safety programs. Local governments, businesses, not-for-profit OHV clubs and organizations, and private individuals may apply for grants.

Application forms for the next round of grants are available by contacting the IDNR Division of Grant Administration, 524 South Second Street, Springfield, IL, 62701-1787, by calling 217/782-7481, TDD 217/782-9175, Ameritech Relay 800/526-0844, or on the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us. The deadline to submit an application is March 1, 2002.

The recipients of this round of grant awards are listed below.

FY 2002 OHV GRANT PROGRAM RECIPIENTS:

Roller Country II (Adams Co.), $114,620 to develop a six-acre training area for young people and novice OHV riders. Located near Quincy, the facility will include a concession/restroom/office building. Grant funds will also be used to lease an adjacent 130-acre parcel for development of OHV trails for more experienced riders. (Local contact: Mark Harrison, 217/228-0405).

Triple H Inc. (Christian Co.), $29,000 for further site infrastructure development of this public-use OHV area west of Taylorville. Additional development will include installation of a water line, electrical service and a concrete entrance area along Ill. Rt. 104. (Local contact: Leroy Harris, 217/237-4752).

Williams Hill Pass Association (Saline Co.), $13,100 to plan and coordinate an OHV Trails Education and Safety Workshop scheduled to be held October 20 in Harrisburg. (Local contact: Jimi Williams, 618/252-3978).