STAFF REPORT

Operations Committee, January 3, 2008
 

North Carolina Recreational Trails Program Grant Application (PR08-16)
Consideration of submittal of a grant application
Speaker:  Mrs. Mary Henderson

From:  Mary G. Henderson, Director, PRCR
Prepared by:  Sandi Bailey, Parks Planner
Approved by:  William B. Coleman, Jr., Town Manager
Approved by:  Benjamin T. Shivar, Assistant Town Manager

North Carolina’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is an approximate $1.3 million grant program funded by Congress with money from federal gas taxes on off-road vehicles. The intent of the RTP is to help fund trails and trail-related recreational needs at the State level; the program is managed through the State Trails Program, a division of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.  The maximum award per application is $75,000.  Grant applicants must be able to contribute 25% of the project cost.  Grant funds may be used for new trail construction and trail renovation projects, trail head and trail side facilities, and land acquisition for trails.  Awards will be made in the fall of 2008.

Staff recommends that $75,000 be requested to aid in the construction of the final segments of the Black Creek Greenway extending from the State Employees Credit Union at NW Maynard Road into Bond Park.  This will complete trail access between Godbold Park and Bond Park.  The designs for these sections of the Black Creek Greenway have been completed and staff is currently obtaining easements. Any grant funds awarded will be a reimbursement toward the budgeted costs of construction.

Fiscal Impact:  The only fiscal impact associated with this grant application is the provision of staff time for completion of the application.  Funding for the complete cost of construction of these segments of the Black Creek Greenway have already been appropriated. 

Staff Recommendation:   Endorsement of a grant request to the North Carolina Recreational Trails Program for $75,000 for construction of Phase IV of Black Creek Greenway.