Governor Ryan Announces Grants for New Off­Highway Vehicle Recreational Trails

SPRINGFIELD ­- Governor George H. Ryan today announced grants totaling $273,700 to develop two new public off­highway, motorized recreation areas through the Illinois Off­ highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreational Trail Program.

"These grants will provide new trails and enhanced access for those Illinoisans and visitors to the state who ride off­highway motorcycles and all­terrain vehicles and have a difficult time finding places to ride," Ryan said.

The program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, provides up to 100 percent reimbursement for approved project costs. It is funded through the titling of all­ terrain vehicles and off­highway motorcycles.

Grants may be awarded for the acquisition of land from willing sellers, construction and maintenance of OHV sites, restoration of areas damaged by OHV use and rider education and safety programs. Local governments, businesses, not­for­profit OHV clubs and organizations and private individuals may apply for grants.

Application forms for the next round of grants are available by contacting the IDNR Division of Grant Administration, 524 South Second Street, Springfield, IL, 62701­1787 or by calling 217/782­7481, TDD 217/782­9175, Ameritech Relay 800/526­0844. The deadline to submit an application is March 1, though an additional series of applications will be accepted through October 1, 2000 with additional funds being available this year for developing new OHV trails.

The recipients of this round of grant awards are listed below.

Little Egypt Off­road Motorcycle Club, (Williamson County)
$153,700 to develop 15 to 20 miles of trails, including a beginners' learning and safety area; construct a multi­use welcome center/ office/storage building; purchase a small tractor and blade for trail maintenance; purchase all­terrain vehicles for security and safety patrols; install a gravel parking lot; and, install utilities for the welcome center. The project is located on 398 acres of formerly mined land near the town of Crab Orchard. (Local contact: Lance Martin, 618/252­2062).

Williams Hill Pass Association, (Saline County)
$120,000 to construct a multi­purpose building as a registration/welcome center, which will provide accessible restrooms and equipment storage; contract for road repair, earth­moving and trail establishment; install a new pump house and water filter system; purchase a small tractor and blade for trail maintenance; purchase all­terrain vehicles for security patrols and maintenance; purchase gravel for roads, parking, and 20 primitive camp sites; install accessible picnic tables, fire pits, and lantern poles for the camp sites; and, purchase a wagon and utility trailer. The trail site is located near Rudement. (Local contact: Jimi Williams, 618/ 252­3978).