Municipal Grant Program
![[Creating a new ATV trail: photo]](../../images/atv_4.jpg)
What is a Municipal Grant?
A grant available to municipalities for sharing
the cost of ATV trail development and maintenance.
It differs from a club grant in that a town,
city or county must submit the request and
local matching money must be present.
Related Forms and Information:
Some of these forms are downloadable PDF documents. You will
need the free Acrobat
Reader to view them. If you have difficulty accessing
PDF forms, try the Adobe online tool to convert
a PDF to HTML text, or call the ATV Program at (207) 287-4958
or (888) 386-3288.
How does a municipality apply?
Request the necessary forms from the Division
of Parks & Public Lands, ATV Program (or download
them from this site), complete them as required,
have them signed by the appropriate municipal
official, and forward them to the Division.
Is there a deadline for filing an application?
Yes. The deadline for applying is May 30.
How long must a municipality participate
in this program?
A one year commitment must be made. There
is no specific long range commitment, but
continued participation should be considered
in the initial planning process. In the event
a project calls for considerable development
expenditure, the continued operation of the
project would be a factor in approval.
How does a municipality determine anticipated
expenses when preparing an application?
If the trails have been previously maintained,
review club records; check with an adjacent
community that is participating in the program;
or request assistance from the ATV Program.
Does the town have to do the work themselves?
No. The town may contract with an individual,
an organiztion, or an ATV club to do the work.
Is it necessary for a municipal official to be the project
director?
No. The town can appoint anyone to be the project director.
Representatives of local ATV clubs are often appointed.
How much of the project cost does the State provide through
the Municipal Grant Program?
The State provides up to 70% of the cost of an approved project.
Are there restrictions on how the local share of the project
is obtained?
No. The method by which the local share is raised is solely
up to the municipality.
What type of expense is eligible for reimbursement under
this grant?
Most trail development or improvement costs such as gas, oil,
equipment rental, equipment repair, bridge material, or reasonable
contract costs, if the work is contracted.
Can capital equipment such as ATV's and major equipment
be purchased through this grant?
No. Capital equipment purchases are not a reimbursable expense:
however, reasonable hourly or seasonal rental fees can be
charged. Reasonable charges will depend on the type of equipment
used and whether operating costs are charged.
Once a project is approved, does the sponsor receive a
check for that amount?
No. This is a reimbursement program. Local money must be spent
before state money is made available.
What is the procedure to follow when requesting reimbursement
of expended money?
An appropriate reimbursement request form must be submitted
with worksheets and receipts explaining expenditures. These
can be submitted monthly or at the end of the season. All
requests must be postmarked on or before Nov. 30th of the
request year.
Can an ATV club apply for this grant?
Clubs must work through their municipal officials or county
officials, who must submit the application.
Do the trails have to meet certain guidelines to qualify
for the project?
There are recommended guidelines in the material accompanying
the application. Each project is considered on an individual
basis and if circumstances warrant, the bureau will make exceptions,
providing they do not detract from the safety and enjoyment
of the trail user.
What type of trail qualifies for this grant?
Presently, all trails that meet the desired guidelines qualify
for a grant. Grant requests for main artery trails are encouraged.
Is it necessary to submit a map of the trails when applying
for this grant?
Yes. The Division requires 7 1/2 or 15 minute series topographical
map or a map of at least similar quality and scale.
Do landowners have to give permission for trails over
their land?
Yes. Written permission or written verification of verbal
permission from landowners is required. The proposal must
also include D.E.P. or L.U.R.C.permits where required.
How does the State ensure that work is performed according
to the project description?
Through consultation with the Project Director and periodic
field inspections by a representative of the ATV Program.
For additional information about the Municipal ATV Grant Program
contact:
Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
Division of Parks & Public Lands
ATV Program
22 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0022
Telephone No. (207) 287- 4958 or 888-386-3288
"The laws and policies of Maine and the United States
prohibit discrimination in Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry programs
and/or employment because of race, religion, national origin,
sex, age, or disability. Any person who believes discrimination
has occurred should contact the commissioner, Maine Department
of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, 22 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0022:
Telephone (207) 287-2211.
Published Under Appropriation 014-04A-8340-83
February 1997
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