Dane County Executive Parisi Announces Grants for PARC and Ride Bike Trail Program

June 10, 2015
Stephanie Miller, 608-267-8823
County Executive

                                               Municipalities Can Apply Today

 

MADISON - Today, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced the county is now accepting preliminary grant proposals for new PARC & Ride Bike Trail grant programs. This program, built on the Partners for Recreation and Conservation (PARC) grant program,  provides matching grants to communities interested in expanding trail interconnectivity throughout Dane County. The 2015 Dane County budget has $750,000 in matching funds available through the PARC & Ride Bike Trail grant program.  Municipalities will be eligible to receive up to $250,000 (or up to 50% of the project costs) to offset bike trail design, engineering, and construction costs.

“The program offers an excellent opportunity for Dane County to partner with local governments on developing and enhancing bicycle trails and amenities in our communities,” said County Executive Parisi.  “Biking is good for our health, for our environment, and for our communities. We are excited to be able to continue our work strategically growing Dane County bike trails.”

Grants will be awarded for capital projects that expand bike trail interconnectivity, create destination-oriented regional bike trails, and improve bike safety. To be eligible for funding, trail projects must be identified in the Dane County Parks and Open Space Plan or Bike Dane Initiative.  Eligible projects include the development of off-road bicycle/pedestrian trails with associated amenities and support facilities, such as trailheads/parking areas, signage, and safety facilities.  Bicycle trail amenities or support facilities as standalone projects without a trail component are not eligible.  

This is just a part of Dane County’s work to enhance biking.  Recently,  we kicked off the development of a Bicycle Way-Finding Plan for Dane County bike trails and routes.  The plan, which is expected to be completed later this year, will provide a guide for bicycle way-finding sign placement and design to help bicyclists navigate our exceptional bikeways and destinations throughout Dane County.

Preliminary proposals to the PARC & Ride Bike Trail grant program are due Friday, July 31st, 2015.  The PARC & Ride Bike Trail Grant Guidelines are also available online at: http://www.countyofdane.com/lwrd/parks/grants.aspx.