Snowmobile Trail Grant Programs
The Snowmobile Trail Grant Program establishes a mechanism for allocating funds to local governmental sponsors that engage
in the development and maintenance of snowmobile trails designated as part of the State Snowmobile Trail System. The New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, through the Grants Management Bureau, administers this program. The
authorization for the program is found in Article 27 of the NY Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.
To be eligible to receive funds an application must be received by Sept. 1st each year with all required documentation as outlined
in the grant application process. The Post Project Submission Phase requires that attachment worksheets, receipts, and vouchers be
submitted no later than May 31st. Failure to submit the voucher and supporting documentation may disqualify an applicant for future
funding. An approved application is required for funding. There can only be one application per sponsor, and must include summary
information for all participants within their jurisdiction.
The annual funding is allocated to the local government sponsor on a pro-rated basis. The pro-rated amount is derived from the
Application and is paid out with a 70% "Grant-In-Aid" followed by a 30% reimbursement to the municipality upon documentation of
100% of the awarded total cost. (The Post Project Submission).
No trail will be eligible for funding unless it has been previously designated by OPRHP as being part of the State Snowmobile Trail System.
OPRHP will assign all trail classifications. Trails designated by OPRHP for funding are based on how they relate to the statewide snowmobile
system. Construction and/or maintenance of trails must have the permission and approval of landowners, administering agencies of the state, or
other municipal entities charged with management of impacted lands. Corridor and secondary route trail markers and other appurtenant
snowmobile trail signs approved by OPRHP must be used on trails receiving state funds. Placement of markers on Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) lands may only be made with the written approval of the DEC Regional Land Manager. Secondary trails provide access to
the corridor trail system. Those trails lead from repair services, food, lodging, fuel, and telephone services and should include the ability to
connect with emergency services (police, fire & medical services). Location and a trail's enhancement of the corridor trail system determine
trail-funding eligibility. Funds must be expended within the approved mileage previously determined by OPRHP.
USER FEE STATEMENT: Trails upon which a local user fee is imposed will not be eligible for State Snowmobile Trail Program funding unless
local sponsors can document consistency with Section 25.09 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law and the rules and regulations
adopted thereto. Non-discrimination and indemnification are addressed in the conditions of the grant.General Information for Snowmobile Trail
Grants
Application
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Who may file an application? |
The local sponsors only as defined in the glossary. Towns and villages are only eligible to apply if the county does not participate. |
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Who signs the Application? |
The authorized official as defined in the glossary. |
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Who will act as liaison? |
The designated contact person. |
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When do I need to apply? |
September 1st |
Permissions
Do I need landowner permission?
Yes! Construction and/or maintenance of trails must have the permission and approval of landowners, administering agencies of the state, or
other municipal entities charged with management of impacted lands. OPRHP recommends that permission for the use of any land be in writing
and that the local sponsors keep all such permission information on file. Should a property owner challenge the use of land under his/her control,
it shall be presumed that permission was not given and the appropriate portion of state assistance will be withheld or recovered.
What do I do if the project is on lands administered by a state agency including DEC or DOT?
Trail projects crossing OPRHP lands must be approved by OPRHP. Contact the park manager and/or appropriate regional office. All projects for trails
crossing DEC lands must conform to DEC unit management plans, management guidelines, and policies. When DEC lands are involved, a DEC Land
Manager must be contacted prior to submitting, to OPRHP, the prior approval application for new projects, construction, or major repair, or when
submitting applications for projects for maintenance or grooming. Trails along a NYS Department of Transportation (DOT) right of way must have their
approval of your project. Contact your regional DOT office. Projects on state lands other than OPRHP, DEC and DOT must have approval from the
administering agency. A signed approval form must accompany your application.
All projects for trails crossing DEC lands must conform to DEC unit management plans, management guidelines,
and policies. When DEC lands are involved, a DEC Land Manager must be contacted prior to submitting, to OPRHP,
the prior approval application for new projects, construction, or major repair, or when submitting applications
for projects for maintenance or grooming. (see page 41)
1. Trail system approval process
Prior approval is required for applicants that did not submit a funded application the previous project year or are requesting new trails be designated,
or are applicants that intend to make any changes to trail miles or classification when compared to the prior year application. These local sponsors
must have the trails approved by OPRHP. The following three items must be included:
- Trails Plan
- Trail Narratives
- Trail Map
3. Post Project Submission - All attachment work sheets, copies of vouchers or cancelled checks, of this application must be submitted to
OPRHP/Grants Management Bureau. Deadline for submittal - May 31st
Deadline for submittal - May 31st
Pogram Contacts
OPRHP Planning Bureau - Snowmobile Unit
Primary function:
- Maintain the Statewide Trail System
- Approval of Funded Trails
- Safety/Education
- Law Enforcement Training
- Special Event Permits
- Grooming Training
- Signage Program
- Administer Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grant
Contact: Victor Wood, Phone: (518) 474-0414
Contact: Jim MacFarland, Phone: (518) 486-1833
Fax: (518) 474-7013
Planning Bureau/Snowmobile Unit
17th Floor, Agency #1
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12238
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