1. Can we build a nature trail with the Trails For Life grant money? The answer is yes if that trail has a function other than communing with nature. There must be a health and fitness use for the trail and it must be fully handicapped accessible.

2. Is there a local monetary match for this grant? There is no monetary match for this grant program. The applicant must provide land suitable for the project. Those applications that demonstrate a higher level of community involvement and commitment to the proposed project will receive priority in the selection process.

3. How much can we apply for through this program? The Standard Health and Fitness Trail grant award will be for $35,000.00 and the Custom Health and Fitness Trail awards can be for a maximum of $70,000.00.

4. What types of trails can we build with the grant money? There are two options in applying for funding through the Trails For Life program. The first is the Standard Health and Fitness Trail. Applicants may submit an application for $35,000 to develop a standard looped fitness trail consisting of a hard surface trail, a minimum of 6 ft. wide and approximately 1/4 mile in length, constructed of concrete, asphalt or other material suitable to comply with the Architectural Barriers Act. The second option is the Custom Health and Fitness Trail. Applicants may submit a detailed grant proposal (maximum $70,000) for projects that target public health and fitness improvements in their communities. Projects might include linear trails with the primary purpose of providing a health and fitness experience, inter-connection of existing trails for fitness use, provide or enhance walking or bicycle access, signage, curb cuts and other structures giving children and others access between home and school or to other recreation facilities. Buildings including restrooms, are not eligible for funding. Proposals can include multiple site locations within city or community jurisdictions.

5. Can we use grant funds to purchase land for our trail? The answer to this one is No. Grant funds can not be used for land purchases; overlay or resurfac-ing of existing trails; programmatic uses; brochures; payment of public utilities; purchase of tools; purchase of personal or athletic equipment; projects providing private or selected patronage.

6. How much money will be available for the program each year? Total annual grant funds will be subject to funds allocated to the Arkansas Trails for Life Grant Program by the Arkansas Department of Health through the Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement. Total annually allocated grant funds will not exceed $250,000.

7. Who can apply for these grants? Incorporated city governments and county governments (unincorporated communities must apply through the county). Joint applications may be submitted between city or county governments and schools, non profit corporations, or private industry. Joint sponsors must sign a binding contract agreement making each party responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project and its’ elements. County projects will be limited to a single jurisdiction.

8. Who decides who gets funded each year? Projects will be selected for funding by the Arkansas Trails for Life Selec-tion Committee that consists of seven members: one (1) representative from the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Fitness; one (1) representative from the Arkansas Department of Health;one (1) representative from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism; one (1) representative from the Minority Health Commission; one (1) representative from the Arkansas Recreation and Park Association (A.R.P.A.); one (1) representative from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department and one (1) representative from the Arkansas Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Society.