For Immediate Release
June 22, 2006

Governor Blagojevich announces more than $700,000 in Recreational Trails Program grants

Funding for trail projects in Northeast, Central and Southeast Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today awarded more than $700,000 in grants for recreational trail development projects in four Illinois communities, helping them meet the growing demand for improved trails and outdoor recreation facilities.

“The grants we’re announcing today will help local communities improve and expand outdoor recreation options – from snowmobiling and horseback riding to picnicking and hiking,” said Governor Blagojevich. “Not only will local residents benefit, but so will the thousands of tourists who will visit our state.”

Funding for the grants is supported by the federal government’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides up to 80 percent of the cost of the trail projects. Local sponsors provide the balance of the funding for the projects. RTP grants may be awarded for the acquisition of land from willing sellers, for trail construction and rehabilitation, restoration of areas damaged by unauthorized trail uses, construction of trail-related support facilities such as picnic areas, parking and restrooms and for educational programs.

“Trails are not only a great way to experience nature, but they also promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Acting Director Sam Flood. “I would encourage everyone to experience just how magnificent our growing trail system is in Illinois.”

The program is administered in Illinois by the Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

“These trails are important not only for improving the quality of life for families here in Illinois, but also to provide transportation alternatives, especially during this time of high gas prices,” said IDOT Secretary Timothy W. Martin.

The projects receiving grant funds were recommended by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, which includes representatives of statewide motorized and non-motorized trail user organizations, statewide agency organizations, organizations with expertise in greenways and trails, and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.

“These projects are an important part of our efforts to preserve open space throughout Illinois for families to continue to enjoy,” said Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon). “These grants will allow 55th district residents and visitors to enjoy year-round recreational activities on Shelbyville's four-mile trail and an updated and renovated off highway vehicle area in Clark County.”

“I am pleased that the residents of Illinois will have the opportunity to experience all that the Kane County Forest Preserve continues to offer,” said Rep. Tim Schmitz (R-Geneva). “These grants will allow for added trails in areas yet to be explored in Kane. I am confident these trails, along with their amenities, will reflect the natural beauty of our region.”

FY 2006 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant recipients/projects

Clark County Park District (Clark County), $244,800 to further develop a 150-acre off-highway vehicle (OHV) area within the 2,600-acre Mill Creek Park near Marshall. The project includes the renovation of a restroom/shower building, the repair of eroded areas on the OHV trails, the installation of a parking lot security light and a basic OHV wash facility.

Kane County Forest Preserve District (Kane County), $156,200 to develop at Pingree Forest Preserve approximately 3.5 miles of equestrian/hiking/cross-country skiing trails, two parking lots, two toilet facilities, a picnic shelter, informational kiosks, a 40 foot long boardwalk, a 40 foot long equestrian bridge, and a well and pump for equestrian use. Pingree Grove is located 4.5 miles west of Elgin on U.S. Route 20.

Kane County Forest Preserve District (Kane County), $112,600 to develop at Burlington Forest Preserve approximately 4.5 miles of equestrian/hiking/cross-country skiing trails, two parking lots, two toilet facilities, a picnic shelter, informational kiosks, an 80 foot long boardwalk, and a well and pump for equestrian use. The site is located on Engel Road west of the Village of Burlington.

City of Shelbyville (Shelby County), $192,000 to continue development of a four-mile, multi-use trail. The trail was originally created as a year-round trail, including snowmobiling during the 1970s, but has since become overgrown and mostly unusable. The finished trail will be 10-feet wide with a limestone surface with 2-foot shoulders.

Communities interested in applying for the next round of recreational trails grants should contact the IDNR Division of Grant Administration, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL, 62702-1271, phone 217/782-7481, TDD 217/782-9175. The annual application deadline for the RTP grants is March 1.
 

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