The Iowa Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the annual Federal Recreational Trails program funding cycle. Applications are due by October 1. This year, additional funding is available for trail maintenance and paving projects that will be able to be let by October 30, 2019. Such projects would include but are not limited to overlays, paving of granular trails, and minor rehabilitation to non-historic bridges. These projects should not include significant grading, installation of new culverts, or other significant ground disturbance. Ongoing trail maintenance such as mowing, sweeping, and general repair are considered trail operating costs and are not eligible projects for this program.

All applications received will be reviewed according to the standard program criteria:
• The degree of innovative trail sharing to accommodate motorized and non-motorized use.
• The number of compatible user groups allowed on the facility.
• The facilitation of access for use by persons with disabilities, older citizens, economically disadvantaged and other special groups.
• The development of trail linkages.
• The creation of opportunities for new partnerships.
• The furtherance of goals of Iowa’s SCORP, Iowa Trails 2000, or a regional/county/municipal plan.
• The usage of grant funds to leverage other investments (in services and materials, as well as dollars).
• The level of citizen involvement in the project’s concept and implementation.
• The degree to which the project ties in to other trails, natural, cultural, or recreational areas.
• The level of public/private partnerships for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the project.
• The degree the project will result in the cleanup of an area.

Applications totaling the $1.3 million annual appropriation for the program will be selected for award based on these criteria. Up to $2.0 million in additional program funds will be available for award to trail maintenance and paving project applications submitted in this funding cycle. This additional funding will be awarded according to the following priorities:
• Likelihood of the project to meet federal requirements without excessive delay, and
• Construction contract let by October 30, 2019.

All applications must meet the eligibility requirements for the Federal Recreational Trail program, be submitted by an eligible applicant, and, if awarded, meet all other federal program requirements through the development of the project including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Buy America requirements for iron or steel incorporated into the project, etc. The maximum federal share for any project is up to 80 percent of total eligible project costs. This is a cost reimbursement program.

For more information, please review the program guidance on the Iowa DOT website at https://iowadot.gov/systems_planning/grant-programs/federal-and-state-recreational-trails or email or call Yvonne Diller at yvonne.diller@iowadot.us or 515-239-1252.