R651.  Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation.
R651-301.  State Recreation Fiscal Assistance Programs.
R651-301-1.  Authority and Effective Date.
	(a)  These rules are established as required by 41-22-1, and 41-22-19, and apply to the following state funded recreation fiscal assistance programs:
	(1)  Off Highway Vehicles Fiscal Incentive Grant
	(2)  Off-highway Access and Education
	(b)  These rules govern procedures for fiscal assistance applications, priorities, and project selection criteria commencing on or after April 15, 2000.

R651-301-2.  Definitions.
	(a)  "Advisory Council" means Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Council.
	(b)  "Board" means the Utah Board of Parks and Recreation.
	(c)  "Division" means the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation.
	(d)  "OHV Program" means the Off-Highway Vehicle Program of the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation.
	(e)  "Small Grant" means any request of less than $12,500.

R651-301-3.  Fiscal Assistance Application Process.
	(a)  Deadline for submission of applications is May 1 annually.  Submissions post-marked on or before that date will be eligible for funding consideration.
	(b)  Applications are to be submitted on a form to be provided by the Division.  Eligible applicants will be notified by mail of the application deadline and procedures at least 45 days prior to the deadline.
	(c)  Applications must be submitted to:
	Utah Division of Parks and Recreation
	Attention:  Grants Coordinator
	1594 West North Temple, Suite 116
	Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6001
	(d)  Eligible applicants include:
	(1)  Trails and Pathways Program
	(i)  Federal government agencies
	(ii)  State agencies
	(iii)  Cities and towns
	(iv)  Counties
	(v)  Special Improvement Districts
	(2)  Off-Highway Vehicle Program
	(i)  Federal government agencies
	(ii)  State agencies
	(iii)  Cities and towns
	(iv)  Counties
	(v)  Organized User Group (as defined in U.C.A. 41-22-2(15))
	(3) Centennial Non-Motorized Paths and Trail Crossings Program
	(i)  State agencies
	(ii)  Cities and towns
	(iii)  Counties
	(2)  Off-highway Access and Education Program
	(i)  Charitable organizations meeting the requirements set forth in U.C.A. 41-22-19.5(6).

R651-301-4.  Fiscal Assistance Program Requirements.
	(a)  Except as provided herein, all programs require a 50/50 match.
	(b)  An applicant's match may be in the form of cash, force account labor, equipment, or materials; donated materials and labor or donation of land from a third party to be exclusively used for the proposed project.  The value of donated labor will be based on a general laborer rate, unless the person is professionally skilled in the work being performed on the project.  When this is the case, the wage rate normally paid for performing this service may be charged to the project.  A general laborer's wages may be charged in the amount of that which the project sponsor pays its own employees having similar experience and performing similar duties.  Donated materials and land will be valued at the fair market value based on an appraisal that is approved by the Division.
	(c)  Recreational trails that are on lands under the control of the Division must comply with Section 63-11a-203, and require public hearings in the area of proposed trail development.
	(d)  Program funds may be used for land acquisition, development, and planning.  Off-highway vehicle funds may also be used for education, operation and maintenance.  No administrative or indirect costs are allowed.  Projects funded with Off-highway Access and Education Program funds must be designed to protect access to public lands by motor vehicle and off-highway vehicle operators, and to educate the public about appropriate off-highway vehicle use.
	(e)  Not more than 50% of program funds may be advanced to the project sponsor, and only after official notice to the Division is made by the sponsor that project costs will be incurred within sixty (60) days.
	(f)  No more than 50% of the monies available to the Centennial Non-Motorized Paths and Trail Crossings Program in a fiscal year may be allocated to a single project, except upon unanimous recommendation of the Recreational Trails Advisory Council.
	(g)  The balance of funding shall be provided to sponsors at the project completion, and only after a final accounting is made to the Division of total project costs.
	(h)  Off-highway Access and Education Program funds are exempt from the matching requirements of this rule.

R651-301-5.  Project Selection Procedures.
	(a)  Advisory Councils shall make recommendations to the Division concerning the project selection criteria and the priority of projects selected for funding.
	(b)  The Division shall review all eligible applications, evaluate projects based on priority criteria, and submit project description information, proposed funding recommendations and justification to the appropriate Advisory Council for review and comments.
	(c)  The Board shall select and approve projects based on recommendations from the Division and Advisory Councils, which may be in the form of joint or separate recommendations.

R651-301-6.  Priorities and Project Selection Criteria.
	(a)  All applicants shall be evaluated on administrative considerations, such as prior project performance and proper use of funds.
	(b)  All applications shall be evaluated on meeting legislative intent, and meeting outdoor recreation needs.
	(c)  All applications shall be evaluated on cooperative efforts of the project among agencies and user groups.  This includes, but is not limited to, cooperative funding.
	(d)  Location of the proposed project site shall be evaluated based on proximity to the majority of users, adequacy of access to the site, safety, linking similar existing facilities, and convenience to users.
	(e)  Projects that promote multiple season use for maximum year-round participation and multiple uses or users shall be encouraged.
	(f)  Planning, design, and projects for the Trails and Pathways Program shall be evaluated to encourage:
	(1)  Innovative or unique design features that enhance the environment and recreation opportunities.
	(2)  Linking access to natural, scenic, historic, or recreational areas of statewide significance.
	(3)  Minimizing adverse effects on wildlife, natural areas, and adjacent landowners.
	(4)  Harmony with existing and planned land uses.
	(5)  Master Planning.

KEY:  recreation, fiscal, assistance
Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment:  January 24, 2019
Notice of Continuation:  March 23, 2017
Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law:  41-22-1