The Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) is accepting grant applications for the 2005 Recreational Trails Program.

            GOLD Commissioner Darrell Brock said Kentucky will receive approximately $900,000 from the Federal Highway Administration for Fiscal Year 2005 to create public trails for recreational activities such as walking, hiking, jogging, and biking.

      “This grant program is aligned perfectly with Governor Fletcher’s ‘Get Healthy Kentucky Initiative’,” said Brock. “According to the Kentucky Obesity Epidemic 2004 report, which documents the extent and consequences of obesity in the state, we need to build communities in ways that encourage families to be active together and provide easily available, affordable and enjoyable physical activity opportunities.

“The Recreational Trails Program provides local governments and non-profit agencies with money to do just that: construct and promote family-oriented exercise trails,” added Brock.

City and county governments, state and federal agencies, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for the grants. The Kentucky Trails Advisory Committee, made up of individuals with different recreational trails backgrounds, reviews the applications, and makes funding recommendations. 

            The maximum grant request is $50,000 and the minimum is $2,500. Project sponsors are required to contribute at least 50 percent of the total project costs through cash, donations, or in-kind services.

            Applications are available through GOLD and the state’s 15 area development district offices. The deadline for applying for Recreational Trails Program grants is October 1, 2004. For additional information on applying for these grant funds, you may contact Jodie McDonald at (800) 346-5606.

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