Governor Awards Grant To Expand Recreational Trail

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod. R. Blagojevich today awarded a $360,300 grant from the state's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Trails Program to Triple H, Inc. of Christian County for expansion of the South Fork Dirt Riders OHV Park located near Taylorville.

 

The funds will be used by Triple H to acquire 116 acres of land adjacent to the existing South Fork Dirt Riders facility on which to extend trails and expand off-highway vehicle recreation at the site.

 

"This grant is possible through contributions from ohv riders themselves and will allow more off-road enthusiasts to enjoy trail riding at what is already a well-maintained public access facility," the Governor said.

 

The $330,600 grant awarded to Triple H will expand the Christian County facility to more than 435 acres.

 

"Demand for these types of facilities continues to grow," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel Brunsvold. "Facilities such as these respond to those requests without harming sensitive environmental areas." DNR administers the grant program.

 

The OHV Recreational Trails Program is funded through the titling of all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles, and through the sale of public access stickers that must be displayed on all off-highway vehicles using grant-assisted facilities.  The program provides up to 100 percent reimbursement for approved project costs, which may include land acquisition from willing sellers, construction and maintenance of OHV trails and related facilities, restoration of areas damaged by OHV use, and for education and safety programs.

 

Local governments, not-for-profit OHV clubs and organizations, businesses and private individuals may apply for grants through the program.  Projects are reviewed and recommended for funding by the Off-Highway Vehicle Trails Advisory Board composed of representatives of motorized recreation organizations and groups.  The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

 

Grant applications for the program are available by contacting the IDNR Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL, 62702-1271, or by calling 217/782-7481, TDD 217/782-9175, SBC Relay 800/526-0844.