AGENDA #2b

BUDGET WORKING PAPER

TO:                              W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

FROM:                        Kathryn Spatz, Director of Parks and Recreation

SUBJECT:                   Information on Adopt-a-Trail Funding and Process

DATE:                         April 3, 2002

The Town has utilized several grants for its Greenways program since the mid 1980s. These are summarized below:

NCDOT Construction Grants: The Town has received 3 grants for construction of various paved trails from the NCDOT Office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation. Projects funded include:

• Phase I of the Bolin Creek Trail ($200,000), from Airport Road to Elizabeth Street, about .75 miles
• Phase II of the Bolin Creek Trail ($240,000), from Elizabeth Street to Community Center Park, approximately .75 miles
• Lower Booker Creek Trail ($300,000), from Booker Creek Road to Franklin Street, approximately .85 miles

These grants can be used only for construction of trails that can be categorized as a bicycle facility. Matches are not required, but because of the $300,000 limit of each grant the Town would expect to pay a substantial percentage of any meaningful projects.

NCDOT Enhancement Grant: We have received one NCDOT enhancement grant in the amount of $349,707 to build the Booker Creek Linear Park. The Town has provided a 20% match. We plan on taking advantage of further opportunities if and when the State announces new grant cycles.

Metropolitan Planning Organization Direct Allocation Funds: We have been able to use $79,000 in Direct Allocation funds for the Lower Booker Creek Trail project. This may be a source of funds that could be used to a greater extent in the future. However, a 20% local match is required.

National Trails Grant: This grant is from federal sources but is administered by the State. The Town has received 2 such grants. We received a $15,000 grant to help with construction of Phase II of the Bolin Creek Trail and $35,000 for construction of the Dry Creek Trail. These grants are currently set at a maximum amount of $50,000 and require a 50% match. The grants are highly competitive. If we have matching funds we anticipate applying for a grant in 2003.

Adopt a Trail Grants: The Town has been the beneficiary of at least three Adopt a Trail grants. These grants are from State funds and are currently limited to $5,000 per project. We have teamed with the local Sierra Club Chapter. In the past we have written the grant applications for the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club serves as the Grantee, but the Town administers the projects. Projects funded included two different phases of the Battle Branch Trail and Phase II of the Bolin Creek Trail.