Grant funds available for specific projects

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has announced that applications for funds from the Recreational Vehicle Program, Waterways Improvement Fund, Off-Road Motor Vehicle Fund, Recreational Trails Program, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund will be accepted until Jan. 27, 2006.

The Recreational Vehicle Program (RV) is used to provide facilities, programs, or services for the health, safety or enjoyment of recreational vehicle users. Recreational vehicles are motor homes, travel trailers, pickup campers, tent trailers, and van conversions.

The Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) is used for the protection and promotion of safety, waterways improvement, creation and improvement of parking areas for boating purposes, boat ramps and moorings, marking of waterways, search and rescue, and all things incidental to such purposes including the purchase of property.

The Off-Road Motor Vehicle Fund (ORMV) is used to acquire, purchase, improve, repair, maintain, furnish, and equip off-road vehicle facilities on public or private land and to assist with the enforcement of laws and regulations governing the use of off-road vehicles.

The Recreation Trails Program (RTP) is used to acquire, purchase, improve, repair and maintain trails, trail facilities and sites for both motorized and non-motorized trail uses.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is granted to local governments for outdoor recreation enhancements such as playgrounds, ball fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, etc.

It is recommended that those considering a project that may qualify for IDPR grant funding contact their regional grants specialist now. For northern Idaho call Tami Johnson at (208)769-1511; for the Boise or Twin Falls area call Jill Murphey at (208)334-4180 Ext. 226; and for eastern Idaho call Heather Westenzweig at (208)525-7121.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) will be conducting combined grant workshops in various areas of the state. A grant workshop will be held Nov. 3 at the Lewiston Hells Gate State Park 9 a.m. to noon. The facility is located at: 4832 Hells Gate Road Riverside Room.

The purpose of these workshops will be to review the administrative rules and guidelines, give instruction on how to fill out an application and explain the evaluation process. All prospective grantees are encouraged to attend these free workshops.

Those planning to attend, please RSVP no later than Oct. 21 to Tami Johnson, IDPR North Region Office, at (208)769-1511.