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Newly elected state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) is encouraging residents in his district to apply for a slew of grants through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) as the March 14 deadline approaches.
“I’m encouraging the communities in my area to consider applying for these grants,” Bailey said in a press release. “These are the kinds of activities that are popular in my district and promote healthy lifestyles as well as opportunities for families to do things together.”
Applications will be accepted through a number of venues, including the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV), and Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Programs. IDNR officials describe the RTP as a federally funded “reimbursement grant program that provides 80 percent of project funding with a required 20-percent local match.”
State Rep. Darren Bailey
Administered in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the funds are available to assist government agencies and trail groups in the “rehabilitation, development, maintenance and acquisition” of recreational trails and related facilities. Resources can also be used for environmental protection and safety education projects.
OHV is constructed to provide financial assistance to government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and other eligible groups that are publicly open and accessible and to refurbish places harmed by unauthorized OHV use.
Finally, the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program (Bike Path) offers financial backing to targeted local units of government with the goal being assisting with the “acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public off-road, non-motorized bicycle paths and directly related support facilities.”
Bailey won election in November in the 109th District, which includes all or parts of Clay, Edwards, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.
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