Off-highway vehicle grants-in-aid (GIA)

First authorized in 1984, Minnesota's Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trails Assistance Program—popularly known as the Grant-in-Aid (GIA) Program—is a cost-share program to facilitate development and maintenance of trails for OHV use, which includes All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Off-Highway Motorcycles (OHMs), and Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs). It is similar to programs for snowmobiles and cross-country skiing.

Funding for these GIA programs comes from vehicle registration fees collected, plus a percentage of the state user-paid gas tax for each of the motorized groups. The percentage of gas tax varies for each user group and is established by state law (Minn. Stat. sec. 296A.18).

Program purpose

To establish and maintain recreational trails at the initiative of enthusiast groups or clubs, with the support and participation of local government sponsors who act as fiscal agents. This partnership of state, sponsor and clubs provides managed recreational riding trails and areas for the public.

Eligibility

All aspects of OHV trail development and maintenance are eligible to receive GIA funds, including project administration, site planning, trail improvements, land acquisition for trail development and trail maintenance.

Who may apply

Off-highway vehicle organizations through counties, cities or townships.

Priorities

The highest priority is maintenance of existing facilities that support significant public use. Second priority is given to improvements of existing facilities. Third priority is given to the creation of new facilities. Special consideration is given to projects that address a scarcity of off-highway vehicle opportunities.

Level of assistance

Up to 65% of total eligible costs for trail and facility development, acquisition, administration, and facilities. Up to 90% of total eligible costs for trail maintenance, grooming and insurance.

General information

This program was authorized by the State Legislature in the early 1990s. It is modeled after the snowmobile and cross-country GIA programs. It is locally executed to encourage the development and maintenance of trails sponsored by local governments. It is designed to encourage club and volunteer involvement.

How to apply

Application forms for maintenance of existing trails are due in the DNR Parks and Trails Area Supervisor's office by November 30. New trail proposals are accepted at any time. Application forms are available below and from the Parks and Trails Area Supervisors.

Related DNR and non-DNR programs

Recreation grant programs

Grants-in-aid (GIA) programs

Other off-highway vehicle grant programs

Related pages

Grant-in-aid trail manual and appendices

OHV GIA Manual This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (< 1 MB)
Appendices A - F This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (2.3 MB)
Appendix A: Definitions and Acronyms This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (< 1 MB)
Appendix B: Statutes This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (< 1 MB)
Appendix C: New Projects and Environmental Review This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (< 1 MB)
Appendix D: PAT Grants Contacts This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (< 1 MB)
Appendix E: Examples of Forms This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (< 1 MB)
Appendix F: Trail Design, Signing, Visitor Information and Maintenance This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (1.4 MB)
Allowable Costs This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. (< 1 MB; updated 04/09)

Contact

For more information about OHV trail development:

MN DNR, Parks and Trails
500 Lafayette Road Box 52
St. Paul, MN 55155-4052
Tel. 651-259-5666

For specific trail information in your area, please contact your local DNR Parks and Trails Area Supervisor This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

OHV GIA forms

These forms have been updated and provided in multiple formats. Contact your local Parks and Trails Area Supervisor for hard copies of these forms.

FORM 1: Funding Application - PDF or Word
To be submitted annually with the Project Cost Worksheet

FORM 2: Project Cost Worksheet - PDF or Excel
To be submitted with the Funding Application or with the New Project Application as the 'budget' for the activity

Combined Funding Application and Project Cost Worksheet - Word
FORMS 1 & 2 combined for ease of printing

FORM 3: New Project Application - Word or PDF
May be submitted at any time with the Project Cost Worksheet

Combined New Project Application and Project Cost Worksheet - Word
FORMS 2 & 3 combined for ease of printing

FORM 4: Example of Grant Agreement sent from DNR to Sponsor - PDF
For reference only

FORM 5: Request for Reimbursement - PDF or Word

FORM 6: Work Log - PDF or Word

FORM 7: Expenditures and Outcomes - PDF
For reference only