HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced nearly $1.4 million in grant funding aimed at boosting all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile projects throughout the Commonwealth. This funding is set to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities while contributing to Pennsylvania’s robust $19 billion outdoor recreation economy.
“DCNR is committed to supporting responsible outdoor recreation for all Pennsylvanians, and we are excited to announce these new projects to enhance ATV and snowmobile opportunities across the Commonwealth,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. Expressing gratitude to the organizations spearheading these initiatives, Dunn encouraged applications for future grant opportunities to further expand accessibility for motorized recreation.
Funding Recipients and Project Details
The grants will fund a variety of efforts, ranging from trail planning to facility development. Key recipients include:
- Bedford County Commissioners received $115,000 to create a countywide ATV Trail Plan, which will lay the groundwork for expanding outdoor recreation access.
- Rock Run Recreation in Chest Township was awarded $269,200 to purchase equipment and materials for maintaining and constructing approximately 140 miles of ATV trails in the Rock Run Recreation Area.
- Renovo Borough secured $975,800 to transform Memorial Park into an ATV recreation hub, including the construction of an ATV trailhead, campsites, parking facilities, stormwater management measures, bathhouse rehabilitation, ADA accessibility improvements, landscaping, and other enhancements.
- Presque Isle Snowmobile Club was granted $30,730 for trail maintenance and construction equipment to support 26 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie County.
- Wales Sno-Drifters received $11,400 to purchase equipment needed for maintaining and constructing approximately 50 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie County.
Economic Benefits of Trail Investments
The economic significance of these grants is underscored by the success of past projects. For instance, DCNR’s Northcentral Regional ATV Trail Connector generated an impressive $23.5 million in revenue over just two years, reflecting the potential of these recreational investments to drive economic growth. With approximately 32,000 snowmobiles and over 290,000 ATVs currently registered in Pennsylvania, the demand for safe and accessible motorized recreation opportunities continues to grow.
Funding Sources
This $1.4 million funding initiative draws from the ATV and Snowmobile Restricted Accounts, which are supported by registration fees from riders. Additionally, the grants leverage funding from the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program (PRT), a federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This partnership helps provide ongoing support for trail development and maintenance for both motorized and non-motorized recreational uses.
Upcoming Grant Opportunities
DCNR has also announced that the spring application window for ATV and snowmobile grants opens on February 3 and runs through March 31. Applicants must submit proposals electronically via DCNR’s online grant system.
Eligible projects for future funding include trail planning, design, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, and maintenance. Additional qualifying efforts involve purchasing equipment for trail work and creating educational programs focused on snowmobile and ATV trail use. Municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit groups are welcome to apply. While matching funds are not required, proposals offering financial contributions from applicants receive preferential consideration during the evaluation process.
DCNR hosts two funding cycles annually for ATV and snowmobile grants. Last spring’s grant round supported six projects totaling over $2.1 million, complementing this latest round of nearly $1.4 million. With these ongoing investments, Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of expanding and improving outdoor recreation opportunities for motorized vehicle enthusiasts statewide.
By fostering partnerships and utilizing strategic funding, DCNR continues to ensure that Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation sector thrives, offering diverse opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with the state’s natural landscapes responsibly.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.