Snowmobile clubs in South Dakota were awarded more than $73,000 for trail-related projects this past year.
The money was part of a federal grant called the Recreational Trail Program, which is funded through the Federal Highway Administration. In the past the money for motorized trails has gone to the state's snowmobile trail fund for equipment and trail development. But because of their initiative, more money was donated to clubs to benefit their local trail systems.
The Dakota Trail Blazers received $20,000 to construct a snowmobile trail bridge, eliminating a dangerous road crossing. More than $20,000 was awarded to the Town and Country Snowdrifters for rescue snowmobiles, emergency equipment and a portable warming shelter. The South Dakota Snowmobile Association received an $8,900 grant to purchase an educational trailer that will transport snowmobiles to area schools and teach students about safety and ethical snowmobiling.
The Recreational Trail Program is a reimbursement program, meaning all clubs must complete their projects and then submit receipts. For more information about the program, visit the
Federal Highway Administration website.