Grant Programs

Grant Update

Due to current budget constraints affecting the agency, the only grant programs currently active are:

1. Growing Smarter State Trust Land Acquisition Grant Program
2. Federal Recreational Trails Program (motorized, see Decal Money At Work and non-motorized, see Trails Maintenance Program)
3. Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund Grants (see Decal Money At Work and OHV Ambassador Program).
   

For information regarding the Heritage Fund contact the Heritage Alliance

Download Arizona Heritage Fund Grant Investments, 1991-2007, by County & City ( 55 KB PDF)
Note: 2007 was the last year Heritage Fund Grants were awarded.

Grant Programs Revenue Sources

Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (Public Law 88-578) became effective January 1, 1965.  The Act provides financial assistance to states, their political subdivisions, and Indian tribal governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established by Congress through Public Law 88-578, as amended, and receives its revenue primarily from the Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing.

Recreational Trails Program (Motorized and Non-Motorized Portions)

Federal Highways: The 109th Congress enacted the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act:  A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). It authorizes the RTP federal aid program and codifies it in Federal statutes under section 206 of title, US Code). (motorized, see Decal Money At Work and non-motorized, see Trails Maintenance).

Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Fund

The State OHV Recreation Fund, established in 1991 provides a legislatively set percentage (0.55%) of total license taxes on motor vehicle fuel from the Highway User Revenue Fund for OHV management. Approximately $1.5 million is available annually through Arizona State Parks for OHV projects. In 2009 new OHV legislation was enacted to provide more regulation of OHV usage and additional funds to support law enforcement and facility development. All vehicles weighing less than 1800 pounds and designed primarily for travel over unimproved terrain are required to display an indicia (sticker) distributed through the Department of Motor Vehicles. The $25 cost of the sticker is added to the OHV Recreation Fund.  State Parks receives 60% of the money in the Fund for projects. 

Off-Highway Vehicle Ambassador Program

The OHV Ambassador Program is eligible to receive support from the OHV Recreation Fund pursuant to OHV legislation, A.R.S. §28-1176 (E) and was created as a result of the identified need from land agencies and OHV stakeholders to increase on-the-ground OHV management presence. The Program provides volunteers with the highest level of multi- agency training for OHV volunteers to:

1. Conduct small projects such as fence repair and sign installation.
2. Monitor trails to document trail hazards and irresponsible OHV use, and
3. Provide responsible riding information to OHV users at high use OHV staging areas and special events.

Growing Smarter State Trust Land Acquisition Grant Program

The Land Conservation Fund:  The passage of Proposition 303 on November 3, 1998 established an annual $20 million appropriation by the Arizona State Legislature from the General Fund to the Land Conservation Fund.  This annual appropriation began in FY 2001 and continued through FY 2011.  With the passage of Senate Bill 1071 in 2003, State Parks transferred $2 million annually to the Livestock and Crop Conservation Fund administered by the Department of Agriculture.  As a result, an $18 million annual appropriation was available for the Growing Smarter grant program thru FY 2011.  Although the annual appropriations to the Land Conservation Fund have ended, the unexpended balance of funds continue to be available for competitive grants.