Office of Outdoor Recreation Announces New Grant Program

Pete CodellaNews

The Office of Outdoor Recreation, a program within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), is pleased to announce the new Utah Waypoint Grant program. This 50 percent matching grant makes a total of $400,000 available to Utah communities to build outdoor recreation infrastructure and improve recreational opportunities statewide.

“Outdoor recreation plays an important role in our state’s economy,” said Val Hale, executive director of GOED. “Many statewide communities have so much potential and this program is just one of many projects the Office of Outdoor Recreation has developed to be a helpful catalyst for economic growth.”

To qualify for a Waypoint Grant, projects must directly benefit the public, be endorsed by local government leaders, and enhance the community’s economic opportunities and quality of life. Eligible infrastructure development projects include but are not limited to trails, trail infrastructure, and trail facilities; restroom facilities near popular recreational climbing areas; ramps and launch sites that would improve water access along rivers; whitewater parks; yurts; infrastructure for wildlife viewing areas and more. The areas for the project must also remain open and accessible to the public.

“Demand for new recreational assets is increasing every day,” said Brad Petersen, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation. “The benefits of additional investments in recreation infrastructure include increased tourism, healthier communities, higher property values, and an increased ability to attract and retain businesses in our state. The Waypoint Grant program creates a win-win opportunity for every community to invest in developing long-term assets that will provide benefits for generations.”

Waypoint Grant applications will be accepted on or before Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 and Friday, April 29, 2016. Please note that this is a pilot program with limited funding in its first year. Once all funds have been given as grants, it will close.

Applications and detailed eligibility requirements are included in the downloadable pages of the grant packet at business.utah.gov/outdoor.

If you are not sure your project would be eligible, please submit the preliminary grant review page before submitting the Waypoint Grant application. The grant packet must be complete and include all required attachments.