RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462

For Release: August 23, 1999

Contact: Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - Governor Lincoln Almond announced today that the September 10 application deadline is quickly approaching for those interested in greenways grants from the 1998 $15 million Open Space bond fund, as well as the $350,000 in federal transportation funds now available as a match for local recreational trails grants.

Applications for both grants will be accepted by the Department of Environmental Management and awards will be made in October at the RI Greenways Congress. DEM is administering the application process for the RI Greenways Council, which will review and award the greenways grants.

In March, Almond announced the first round of funding from the new bond, in which a total of $2 million in matching grants is available to municipalities, land trusts, and non-profit environmental organizations for the acquisition, design, and construction of local bikeways and recreational greenways. In addition to bikeways, greenways traditionally include trails, river walkways, and natural corridors. These areas are primarily off-road facilities, and they often serve as links between state and local parks, other bikeways, areas of open space, and municipal and business centers.

The local trails grants draw upon federal funds made available under the 1998 Transportation Equity Act of the 21st Century. The grants, which require local match, may be used to create new recreational trails, as well as restore and improve existing recreational trails, for both hikers and other trail users. The grants are reviewed and issued by the stated 16-member Recreational Trail Advisory Committee made up of recreational trail users and representatives of DEM, DOT, and the state Department of Administration. Under an interagency cooperative agreement, DEM administers the grant program with funds made available by DOT.