Snowmobile Municipal Grants Program
Club Grants | Municipal Grants
| Capital Grants
What is a Municipal Grant?
It is a grant available to municipalities or counties for
sharing the cost of the construction and maintenance of
snowmobile trails. It differs from a club grant in that
an application must be submitted by the town, city or county
and requires local money.
*Please note the landowner permission list needs to be included with the application.
Related Forms and Information:
Some of the forms below
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 Snowmobile Program
at (207) 287-4957.
2012-2013 Forms
How can a municipality or county apply
for this grant?
Request the necessary forms from the Division of Parks &
Public Lands, Snowmobile Program or download them from this site
(see above); complete them as required; have them signed
in blue ink by the appropriate municipal official; and forward them
to the above agency. Due to a lack of funds we are currently not accepting any new Municipal projects that aren't already participating in the program.
Is there a deadline for filing an application?
Yes. For development projects the deadline is November 1st;
for regular winter maintenance, December 1st. It is in the best
interest of everyone to submit applications soon after they are available, since no expenditures are eligible
for partial reimbursement until after the project has been
approved.
How long must a municipality or county
participate in this program?
A one-year commitment is required. There is no specific
long range commitment, but it is hoped that continued participation
would be a part of the initial planning process. In the
event that a project called for a considerable development expenditure,
the continued operation of the project would be a factor
in considering approval.
How may anticipated expenses be determined
when preparing an application?
If the trails have been maintained review club records;
check with an adjacent community that is participating in
the program; or request assistance from the Snowmobile Program.
After the initial year of participation, the records kept
will assist in the preparation of a budget.
Does the town or county have to actually
do the work once the project is approved?
No. The town can contract with an individual and/or a snowmobile
club to do the work for them. The appointment of a project
director helps reduce direct involvement by town officials.
Is it necessary for a municipal or county
official to be the agent for the Snowmobile Program to contract?
No. The municipality can appoint a person to be the project
director. Often this person is a representative of the local
club.
What assistance is available to guide
a municipality in making an application?
Assistance may be obtained from the Snowmobile Program at
the following address: Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, Off Road Vehicle Unit, 22 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333,
Tel. No. 287-4957. If it is deemed necessary, a meeting
can be arranged to discuss the program in detail.
How much of the project cost does the
State provide through the Municipal Grant Program?
If the approved project is entirely within the boundaries
of the applying county, town or city, the State will provide
up to 50% matching funds. If two (2) or more towns or county
governments jointly submit one application or if either
body administers trails outside their boundaries, providing
they are of regional or statewide significance, the State
will provide up to 70%.
Are there restrictions on how the local
share of the project is obtained?
No. The local share of the project cost is the portion that
must be raised locally, however, the method by which it
is raised is solely up to the local municipality.
What type of expenses are eligible for
reimbursement under this grant?
Labor; materials used for bridges; equipment rental; repairs
& operational costs of the equipment (if they are not
considered in the rental fee); insurance for grooming equipment
and trail liability; signing; brushing; or reasonable contract
costs, if the work is contracted.
May capital equipment such as groomers
and drags be purchased through this grant?
Yes, on a limited basis through a special appropriation
"Capital Equipment Grant." Any purchase
of capital equipment must be made by the organization or
club that will be doing the work with financial assistance
from the State. An hourly or seasonal rate charged for the
work performed is allowable.
Once a project is approved, does the
sponsor receive a check for that amount?
No. This is a reimbursement program and money must be spent
before State money is received. At the end of the season the project submits a reimbursement request along with proof of expenses.
What is the procedure to follow when requesting reimbursement
of expended money?
A reimbursement request must be submitted on the appropriate
form, with expenditures supported by maintenance and grooming worksheets and receipts.
Requests can be made monthly or at the end of the season,
whichever satisfies the needs of the municipality. We suggest
that the submission be made monthly.
May a snowmobile club apply for this
grant?
No. A club must work through their municipal 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 contained in the material
accompanying the application. Each project is considered
on an individual basis and exceptions are made if circumstances
warrant, providing they do not detract from the safety and
enjoyment of the trail user.
What type of trails qualify for this
grant?
At the present time, all trails that reasonably meet the
desired specifications qualify. We encourage that only trails
that are of regional or statewide significance - main artery
trails that enable a person to travel from town to town
or to major points of interest - be submitted.
Is it necessary to submit a map of the
trails when applying for this grant?
Yes. A topographical map or map of equal quality is required. When possible if your trails are GPS mapped, sending the actual GPS file, (not just the map and map file) is helpful. For questions regarding GPS mapping your trails, contact Joe Higgins.
Do landowners have to give permission
for trails over their land?
Yes. If the request for financial assistance is only for
winter grooming, the municipality must submit a list of landowners certifying
that permission has been obtained (verbal permission). If funding is being requested
for the development of a trail or use of heavy equipment,
written permission from the landowner is required. A list of landowners is required as part of the municipal grant application.
What method is used by the State to ensure
that the work is performed according to the project description?
There are periodic field inspections performed by a
representative of the Snowmobile Program and consultation
with the Project Director.
Do the towns or counties that participate
year after year receive the application automatically?
Yes. It will be sent to the Project Director listed
on file with our office from the prior year.
"The laws and policies of Maine
and the United States prohibit discrimination in Department
of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Programs and/or employment because of race,
religion, national origin, sex, age, or handicap".
Any person who believes discrimination has occurred should
contact the commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry,
22 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333, Tel. No. (207)
287- 2211.
For additional information pertaining to
the Municipal Grant Program contact us at:
Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
Division of Parks & Public Lands
Snowmobile Program
22 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0022
Tel. No. (207) 287-4957
Fax (207) 287-8111
TTY (207) 287-2213
This brochure is available in alternative formats
PUBLISHED UNDER APPR 014-04A-8140-81
