The purpose of the recreational and snowmobile trail grant program is to provide financial assistance to local units of government and incorporated nonprofit groups for the development and maintenance of snowmobile trails. Funds are allocated and paid to the grantees on a reimbursement basis through a formal grant agreement between the grantee and the Department. Funds are available for development of new snowmobile trails; maintenance of existing trails including grooming, signing and brushing of the trails; leases, easements or permits for public snowmobile trails on private lands; comprehensive/collision insurance for grooming equipment and trail liability insurance.
PROGRAM GOALS: STATEWIDE TRAILS INITIATIVE The Michigan snowmobile trail program began as a small, loop trail system, with the goal of tying these loops together into an interconnected system of trails. Now, the primary long-term goal of the Michigan snowmobile program is the development of an interconnected network of groomed snowmobile trails from the Michigan-Indiana border to the Mackinac Bridge and from the Mackinac Bridge to Ironwood. Acquisition, establishment, and use of abandoned railroad corridors are critical to accomplishing this goal.
A second long-term goal is to establish a system of permanent, public land trails throughout the State. Many trails were required to be rerouted as private lands changed ownership, and even trails on public lands have been relocated. The Department continues to seek conversion of abandoned railroad grades and other corridors throughout the State, as well as establishing permanent trail corridors on public lands through acquisition of land or rights in land.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Counties
- Townships
- Cities
- Villages
- Non-profits, including clubs
WHAT IS ELIGIBLE FOR GRANT FUNDING?
- Trail Grooming
- Lease Payments
- Off season Maintenance
- New Trail Development
- Liability Insurance Premiums
- Installation of signs
- Equipment
Contact us for more information on this program. To learn more about GFA please visit our website at http://gfa.tc.