DEM Announces Next Wave Of Grant Funding Under
2016 Green Economy Bond
$3 million available to help R.I. communities
improve recreational areas
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| Maybe Charlestown can get funding to expand the asphalt "Faith's Folly" bike path in Ninigret Park. And this time, add shrubbery to indulge CCA Party favorite Faith LaBossiere's twin passions. |
The grants will be funded by the $35 million Green Economy Bond, approved by voters last year. The grant application period is open through December 1, 2017.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, nationally, outdoor recreation generates $887 billion in consumer spending each year. In Rhode Island, outdoor recreation generates $4 billion annually in consumer spending and supports 37,000 jobs.
A recent study by the University of Rhode Island found that the state's 22 major recreational facilities alone attract some nine million visits each year, generating over $300 million in consumer spending and supporting more than 3,700 jobs.
Last
year, Governor Raimondo took executive action to create the Rhode Island
Outdoor Recreation Council, with the goal of exploring and acting on
opportunities to grow the state's outdoor recreation economy.
The Council issued its report in December, recommending further investments in recreational facilities across the state. Since 1988, DEM has awarded over 500 community recreation grants, investing $70 million across all 39 Rhode Island cities and towns.
The Council issued its report in December, recommending further investments in recreational facilities across the state. Since 1988, DEM has awarded over 500 community recreation grants, investing $70 million across all 39 Rhode Island cities and towns.
"The
value and importance of community parks cannot be overstated," said DEM
Director Janet Coit. "They beautify our neighborhoods, connect us to each
other and with nature, and nurture our health and environment. The work we are
doing, together with many partners, to improve these facilities and provide
meaningful opportunities for families to be active and enjoy the outdoors
matters. And we must keep going. I encourage cities and towns to take advantage
of this grant funding made possible by the Green Economy Bond."
Community
recreation grant funding – with a maximum of $100,000 for small grants and
$300,000 for large grants – requires a 20 percent community match for
development projects and a 50 percent match for acquisitions.
Projects that promote healthy aging for older adults or include investments in green infrastructure and/or stormwater control are encouraged.
Applications will be evaluated and scored by the Rhode Island Recreation Resources Review Committee, consisting of government and non-profit members, using the Open Project Selection Process (OPSP) developed under the 2009 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Grant awards will be announced in spring 2018.
For more information or to apply, visit www.dem.ri.gov/plangrants.
Projects that promote healthy aging for older adults or include investments in green infrastructure and/or stormwater control are encouraged.
Applications will be evaluated and scored by the Rhode Island Recreation Resources Review Committee, consisting of government and non-profit members, using the Open Project Selection Process (OPSP) developed under the 2009 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Grant awards will be announced in spring 2018.
For more information or to apply, visit www.dem.ri.gov/plangrants.
For
more information on DEM programs and divisions, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow
DEM on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or via Twitter
(@RhodeIslandDEM).
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