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IDPR Grants and Funding

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation provides a variety of funding programs and grants to government entities in Idaho for the provision of equipment and for the creation and renovation of outdoor recreational facilities. For more information about individual grant programs, check out the tabs to the left.

Grant Rules 

Rules governing the administration of the IDPR State and Federal Grant Funds

Grant Manual and Application

FY 2018 Recreational Grant Program Guidance

Funding Programs

County Recreational Grant Awards (by Fiscal Year)

Money collected from the registration of boats and off-highway vehicles goes directly back to the users through grant awards for docks, enforcement, trail maintenance, facilities, programs, improvements and much more.  Click on the fiscal year below to view a PDF outlining a county-by-county review of how recreation grants have been allocated.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund

The congressional intent of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is to acquire, develop, and maintain outstanding property into perpetuity for outdoor recreation purposes. It is important that quality recreation facilities are developed for the people in our community and our state for future generations.
 
With the passage of the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-578; 78 Stat. 897) funds were made available to the states for the “planning, acquisition and development of needed land and water areas and facilities.” This law requires each state to prepare an acceptable comprehensive outdoor recreation plan before acquisition and development projects are considered.
 
Idaho’s plan is the “Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan” (SCORTP). There are several steps in applying for LWCF money. The project proposal is used to determine a project’s eligibility.
 
IDPR staff checks proposals against SCORTP priorities for eligibility. In addition, it will allow IDPR the opportunity to provide you technical assistance in submitting an application.
 
Eligible projects are then presented to the LWCF Advisory Committee. Sponsors are asked to give an oral presentation on their project. The advisory committee rates and ranks the projects in priority order for recommendation to the Idaho Park and Recreation Board.
 
If your project is recommended for approval by the board, IDPR will request an application. You must be prepared to make a financial investment to properly submit an application. The application requires complete information such as specific site plans, and drawings, cost estimates, title information, appraisals, and an environmental assessment. Depending on your resources and the type and size of the project, this may require that you employ architects, engineers, surveyors, attorneys, and appraisers. In addition, all costs to qualify a project must be assumed by the applicant. These may include a state appraisal review or engineering review. Some of these costs may be reimbursed if the project is approved. Information on reimbursement is provided in the program rules.
 
Additional information about the Land & Water Conservation Fund, including a list of dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and program rules is available by downloading the Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.

Your Recreation Dollars At Work For You: The Idaho Recreational Vehicle (RV) Fund

The Idaho Recreational Vehicle (RV) Program was established by the 1985 Idaho Legislature in response to requests from RV users to receive benefits from the registration fees they pay. As stated in Idaho Code, the purpose of the account is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to public agencies to provide facilities for the RV user. This includes improvements to campgrounds, campsites, dump stations and general RV access statewide. Currently the funding level is approximately $3 million annually.

Read the enabling legislation here.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has been given the responsibility of administering this grant account. Department staff and the RV Advisory Committee are eager to work with governmental agencies to provide safe, enjoyable recreational vehicle facilities.

You can learn more about the Idaho RV Program, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.

Idaho RV Fund Facts

  • Granted over $50 million in RV projects since its inception
  • Combined with matching funds, that's over $90 million in improvements to RV facilities statewide
  • Over 650 projects have been completed to date

Approved Projects

FY 2014 (coming soon)

FY 2015 (coming soon)

FY 2016 (coming soon)

Top Three (3) Projects by Region

Northern Idaho (coming soon)
Southern Idaho (coming soon)
Eastern Idaho (coming soon)

Questions & Answers

Q. Who makes the decision regarding projects funded by the Idaho RV Program?

A. Projects are reviewed and ranked by the Idaho RV Advisory Committee. You can learn more about Advisory Committee's, membership and how to participate here. The Idaho Park and Recreation Board has the authority to approve the recommendations made by the Idaho RV Advisory Committee. You can read more about the Powers of the Board here.

Q. How many RVs are registered in Idaho each year?

A. The Idaho Transportation Department managed the registration and renewal of RVs in Idaho.

Q. How are my RV registration fees decided?

A. Annual RV license fees in Idaho are determined by Idaho Code 49-445. There's additional information in Idaho Code 49-446 that speaks specifically to County Assessor's and their role in fee collection.

 

The Idaho Motorbike Program

The Idaho Motorbike Program is funding derived from the sale of ATV, Motorbike and UTV registrations annually. These funds can be used for the following:

(1) For the securing of special leases or permits, or for the actual purchase of land under private, state or federal ownership to be used for recreational off -highway vehicle activity;

(2) For the securing, maintenance, construction or development of trails and other recreational facilities for off -highway vehicle use on state and federal lands;

(3) To finance the formulation and implementation under the board’s direction of an off the road rider education program.

(4) To acquire applicable federal matching funds.

 

The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $300,000 annually.

You can learn more about the Idaho Motorbike Program, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.

The Off Road Motor Vehicle Fund

The Off Road Motor Vehicle (ORMV) Fund was created by legislation in 1973. The ORMV Fund is funded annually with a portion of the total state gas tax revenues. The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $400,000 annually. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has been given the responsibility of administering this grant program.

You can learn more about the Idaho ORMV Fund, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grants Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.

The Recreational Trails Program

 
The Recreational Trails Program of 1998 establishes a program for allocating funds to the States for recreational trails and trail-related projects. Projects must be from trail plans included or referenced in a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan required by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (Section 1302 (a)(b)). The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $1.5 million annually.
 
Permissible uses of the funds are: maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails; development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages for recreational trails; purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment; and construction of new recreational trails (with restrictions for new trails on Federal lands).
 
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for the administration of the Recreational Trails Program in the state of Idaho.
 
Funding Provisions
At least 30 percent of funds received annually by the State must be reserved for uses relating to motorized recreation, at least 30 percent must be reserved for non-motorized recreation, and the remaining 40 percent must give preference to projects that provide for innovative recreational trails corridor sharing by motorized and non-motorized use.

You can learn more about Recreational Trails Program, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members, additional funding provisions and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding tab.

 

The Waterways Improvement Fund

 
The Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) was created by legislation (Senate Bill 256) in 1963. The WIF is funded annually with a portion of the total state gas tax revenues. The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $1million annually.
 
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has been given the responsibility of administering this grant program.
 
You can learn more about the Waterways Improvement Fund, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.
 

Recreational Road & Bridge

 
The 1993 session of the legislature passed HB 185 which authorized the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to administer .44% of state gas tax revenues to “be used solely to develop, construct, maintain and repair roads, bridges and parking areas within and leading to parks and recreation areas of the state.”
 
The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $300,000 annually.
 
Currently all Road and Bridge applications are reviewed by IDPR staff and recommendations are presented to the Idaho Park and Recreation Board for final approval.
 
You can learn more about the Recreational Road & Bridge Fund, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.

IDPR Grants and Funding

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation provides a variety of funding programs and grants to government entities in Idaho for the provision of equipment and for the creation and renovation of outdoor recreational facilities. For more information about individual grant programs, check out the tabs to the left.

Grant Rules 

Rules governing the administration of the IDPR State and Federal Grant Funds

Grant Manual and Application

FY 2018 Recreational Grant Program Guidance

Funding Programs

County Recreational Grant Awards (by Fiscal Year)

Money collected from the registration of boats and off-highway vehicles goes directly back to the users through grant awards for docks, enforcement, trail maintenance, facilities, programs, improvements and much more.  Click on the fiscal year below to view a PDF outlining a county-by-county review of how recreation grants have been allocated.

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund

The congressional intent of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is to acquire, develop, and maintain outstanding property into perpetuity for outdoor recreation purposes. It is important that quality recreation facilities are developed for the people in our community and our state for future generations.
 
With the passage of the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-578; 78 Stat. 897) funds were made available to the states for the “planning, acquisition and development of needed land and water areas and facilities.” This law requires each state to prepare an acceptable comprehensive outdoor recreation plan before acquisition and development projects are considered.
 
Idaho’s plan is the “Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan” (SCORTP). There are several steps in applying for LWCF money. The project proposal is used to determine a project’s eligibility.
 
IDPR staff checks proposals against SCORTP priorities for eligibility. In addition, it will allow IDPR the opportunity to provide you technical assistance in submitting an application.
 
Eligible projects are then presented to the LWCF Advisory Committee. Sponsors are asked to give an oral presentation on their project. The advisory committee rates and ranks the projects in priority order for recommendation to the Idaho Park and Recreation Board.
 
If your project is recommended for approval by the board, IDPR will request an application. You must be prepared to make a financial investment to properly submit an application. The application requires complete information such as specific site plans, and drawings, cost estimates, title information, appraisals, and an environmental assessment. Depending on your resources and the type and size of the project, this may require that you employ architects, engineers, surveyors, attorneys, and appraisers. In addition, all costs to qualify a project must be assumed by the applicant. These may include a state appraisal review or engineering review. Some of these costs may be reimbursed if the project is approved. Information on reimbursement is provided in the program rules.
 
Additional information about the Land & Water Conservation Fund, including a list of dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and program rules is available by downloading the Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.

Your Recreation Dollars At Work For You: The Idaho Recreational Vehicle (RV) Fund

The Idaho Recreational Vehicle (RV) Program was established by the 1985 Idaho Legislature in response to requests from RV users to receive benefits from the registration fees they pay. As stated in Idaho Code, the purpose of the account is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to public agencies to provide facilities for the RV user. This includes improvements to campgrounds, campsites, dump stations and general RV access statewide. Currently the funding level is approximately $3 million annually.

Read the enabling legislation here.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has been given the responsibility of administering this grant account. Department staff and the RV Advisory Committee are eager to work with governmental agencies to provide safe, enjoyable recreational vehicle facilities.

You can learn more about the Idaho RV Program, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.

Idaho RV Fund Facts

  • Granted over $50 million in RV projects since its inception
  • Combined with matching funds, that's over $90 million in improvements to RV facilities statewide
  • Over 650 projects have been completed to date

Approved Projects

FY 2014 (coming soon)

FY 2015 (coming soon)

FY 2016 (coming soon)

Top Three (3) Projects by Region

Northern Idaho (coming soon)
Southern Idaho (coming soon)
Eastern Idaho (coming soon)

Questions & Answers

Q. Who makes the decision regarding projects funded by the Idaho RV Program?

A. Projects are reviewed and ranked by the Idaho RV Advisory Committee. You can learn more about Advisory Committee's, membership and how to participate here. The Idaho Park and Recreation Board has the authority to approve the recommendations made by the Idaho RV Advisory Committee. You can read more about the Powers of the Board here.

Q. How many RVs are registered in Idaho each year?

A. The Idaho Transportation Department managed the registration and renewal of RVs in Idaho.

Q. How are my RV registration fees decided?

A. Annual RV license fees in Idaho are determined by Idaho Code 49-445. There's additional information in Idaho Code 49-446 that speaks specifically to County Assessor's and their role in fee collection.

 

The Idaho Motorbike Program

The Idaho Motorbike Program is funding derived from the sale of ATV, Motorbike and UTV registrations annually. These funds can be used for the following:

(1) For the securing of special leases or permits, or for the actual purchase of land under private, state or federal ownership to be used for recreational off -highway vehicle activity;

(2) For the securing, maintenance, construction or development of trails and other recreational facilities for off -highway vehicle use on state and federal lands;

(3) To finance the formulation and implementation under the board’s direction of an off the road rider education program.

(4) To acquire applicable federal matching funds.

 

The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $300,000 annually.

You can learn more about the Idaho Motorbike Program, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.

The Off Road Motor Vehicle Fund

The Off Road Motor Vehicle (ORMV) Fund was created by legislation in 1973. The ORMV Fund is funded annually with a portion of the total state gas tax revenues. The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $400,000 annually. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has been given the responsibility of administering this grant program.

You can learn more about the Idaho ORMV Fund, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grants Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.

The Recreational Trails Program

 
The Recreational Trails Program of 1998 establishes a program for allocating funds to the States for recreational trails and trail-related projects. Projects must be from trail plans included or referenced in a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan required by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (Section 1302 (a)(b)). The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $1.5 million annually.
 
Permissible uses of the funds are: maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails; development and rehabilitation of trailside and trailhead facilities and trail linkages for recreational trails; purchase and lease of recreational trail construction and maintenance equipment; and construction of new recreational trails (with restrictions for new trails on Federal lands).
 
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for the administration of the Recreational Trails Program in the state of Idaho.
 
Funding Provisions
At least 30 percent of funds received annually by the State must be reserved for uses relating to motorized recreation, at least 30 percent must be reserved for non-motorized recreation, and the remaining 40 percent must give preference to projects that provide for innovative recreational trails corridor sharing by motorized and non-motorized use.

You can learn more about Recreational Trails Program, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members, additional funding provisions and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding tab.

 

The Waterways Improvement Fund

 
The Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) was created by legislation (Senate Bill 256) in 1963. The WIF is funded annually with a portion of the total state gas tax revenues. The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $1million annually.
 
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has been given the responsibility of administering this grant program.
 
You can learn more about the Waterways Improvement Fund, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.
 

Recreational Road & Bridge

 
The 1993 session of the legislature passed HB 185 which authorized the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to administer .44% of state gas tax revenues to “be used solely to develop, construct, maintain and repair roads, bridges and parking areas within and leading to parks and recreation areas of the state.”
 
The typical grant funding level for the program is approximately $300,000 annually.
 
Currently all Road and Bridge applications are reviewed by IDPR staff and recommendations are presented to the Idaho Park and Recreation Board for final approval.
 
You can learn more about the Recreational Road & Bridge Fund, including dates, deadlines, Advisory Committee Members and grant submission rules by downloading a Grant Manual from the main Grants and Funding page.