LANSING, MI -- The Department of Natural Resources today announced that local units of government interested in applying for public recreation grants through the Recreation Passport Local Grant Program have until May 1, 2011 to apply.
Funding for the grant program is made possible through the new Recreation Passport Program. On Oct. 1, 2010, the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) replaced the state's annual $24 motor vehicle permit, or window sticker, that was required for a Michigan-registered vehicle to enter a state park or recreation area, as well as the $24 annual boating access permit. The Recreation Passport helps fund Michigan's state parks, state recreation areas, boating facilities, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized trails, and historic resources in state parks. In addition, the program provides park and recreation development grants for local units of government.
The Recreation Passport Grant Program provides funding assistance for local public recreation needs through the development of public recreation facilities. The program emphasizes applications for parks and recreation infrastructure renovations and major repairs, while excluding the use of funds for operational expenses.
The maximum grant request this year is $30,000. Total funding for this year is expected to be between $150,000 and $200,000. Grant application materials may be obtained from the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants by clicking on the Grant Programs link. Interested individuals also may call Grants Management at 517-373-9125, or write to: Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Grants Management, P.O. Box 30425, Lansing, MI 48909-7925.
