EPEDC announces grant opportunities

Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation recently announced two grant opportunities for OHV recreational opportunities: the Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program and the Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program (SMTP). Both grant programs are currently accepting applications.

The OHV Program through the Montana State Parks provides grant funding for safety, ethics and education, resource maintenance, protection and improvement projects. Grant awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000 and can be used for safety and ethics projects, Trail Steward positions, OHV trail improvement projects, construction/installation of informational kiosks and trail signage or other safety, educational, resource maintenance, protection or improvement projects. Eligible applicants include clubs, friends groups, and associations, as well as federal, tribal, and other government agencies. OHV Grant Program funds cannot be awarded to a for-profit entity.

The new SMTP program provides grant funding to OHV clubs and organizations for resource maintenance, protection, signage, and the improvement of federally designated motorized trails and riding areas in Montana. Eligible projects include signage-trail markers, trail maintenance, improvements or reroutes, mitigation of motorized resource impacts, brushing and delimbing of trails, noxious weed control and Trail Steward Positions. Typical project requests will be between $10,000 and $50,000. Applications over $50,000 are eligible for funding and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Grant applicants may include off highway vehicle state organizations or associations and clubs.

EPEDC can provide free grant writing and technical assistance to those interested in the OHV Grant Program and the Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2021 at 3 p.m. For more information please visit http://stateparks.mt.gov/recreation/ohvGrants.html and http://stateparks.mt.gov/recreation/NEW-Summer-Motorized-Trail-Pass-Grant-Program.html or contact Beth Epley at eepley@epedc.com or 406-853-6471.