Erie County Greenways Program Grant Application

The County of Erie has developed the Erie County Greenways Program (ECGP) in order to financially support park, recreation and trail opportunities throughout Erie County. The goal of this program is to improve the quality of life in Erie County through the preservation and enhancement of the region’s natural, scenic, and recreational resources for public use and enjoyment.

Erie County is offering support for various types of greenway, recreation, and conservation projects, such as: planning, acquisition, design, conservation, construction, development, repair, and rehabilitation of greenways, recreational trails, open space, natural areas, community conservation, community beautification, and community and heritage parks.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

· Municipal governments located in Erie County, PA

· Municipal authorities located in Erie County, PA

· Educational institutions – school districts, colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning

· 501(c)3 Non-profits active in Erie County, PA

· Regional public agencies active in Pennsylvania

OTHER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

· Show a need for additional or “gap” funding for their proposed parks, recreation, or trail project(s) – the County’s Greenways funding may not be the only source of cash for proposed project(s);

· Align proposed projects and programs with priorities and recommendations identified by the Erie County Comprehensive Plan, the Erie County Parks and Recreation Plan, as well as any other relevant existing community plans;

· Adhere to Erie County accessibility standards;

· Complete proposed projects and/or allocate funds within two years of the date of award;

· Provide proof of ownership/control of the project site for planning, design/engineering and construction projects, at the time of application submission. Ownership is defined as ‘fee-simple’ and control is defined as a ‘long-term lease or easement’ (20-year minimum term). *Note: If the site is leased, provide a copy of the executed lease;

· Adhere to contemporary practices/policies with regards to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and

· Construction work associated with the proposed project may be subject to the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
 

ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES

Eligible projects implement the construction, acquisition, or planning for a park, recreation, greenway or trail project. Applications can fall in one of two funding categories:

1. Parks and Recreation Gap projects:

This project type is for traditional parks and recreation projects, where the Greenways funding will be a component of the funding stack. Project types include recreation facilities, greenways, parks, and trails. Projects are expected to be in alignment with all County plans, including the Erie County Comprehensive Plan and the Erie County Parks and Recreation Plan.

a. Show a need for additional or “gap” funding for any park, trails, or recreation project

b. Match funding equal to 50% of the total project cost

c. Maximum grant award of $100,000

2. Parks and Recreation Match funding:

Match funding is for projects that fulfill one of the goals of the Erie County Parks and Recreation plan or implement a municipal plan but are lacking the required matching funds for other grant sources. This is not upfront cash, but match funding contingent on receiving other funding equal or exceeding the requested amount. A letter of funding commitment will be provided to include with grant applications. Funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis. Projects must be fully funded within three years. This funding is ideal for projects by smaller entities with a regional impact.

a. Fulfill one of the goals of the Erie County Parks and Recreation Plan and/or implement a municipal Parks or Active Transportation plan

b. No upfront payment; funding contingent on securing alternate funding within two years

c. Maximum grant award of $100,000