Securing Grant Money - Gas Taxes Fund New Trail Projects

Mountain BIking Success Stories

IMBA Trail News
Volume 16, Number 2
Early Summer 2003

Building a new trail can be a huge challenge. In addition to red tape, there's usually the question of cash. When trail construction companies and land managers say, "Show me the money," one IMBA-affiliated group who has the answer is the Georgia-based Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA). Their bankroll? The Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

Since 1995, SORBA has secured more than $750,000 in RTP grants. The Recreational Trails Program provides federal funding for trail projects nationwide. Managed by the Federal Highway Administration, the RTP has helped communities build and repair thousands of miles of trails involving 5,500 projects in all 50 states. SORBA has earned more than a dozen RTP grants ranging from $35,000 to $125,000. The funds have helped pay for hundreds of trailwork tools, five fully-equipped trailwork trailers, a Toro Dingo trailbuilding machine and even a John Deere Trail Gator utility vehicle. SORBA also used RTP funds to hire former Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew leader Mike Riter to serve as Trail Education Specialist for SORBA and Gainesville College.

IMBA board member and SORBA leader Jay Franklin attributes SORBA's success to great land management partners and a professional approach. He advises other IMBA clubs to dedicate at least one member to chasing RTP grants. "Know the guidelines upfront and make sure your application is professional. The process can be cumbersome, but the rewards are worth it," said Franklin.

More info: www.imba.com/resources/grants