Increased access to safe, managed OHV trails and riding areas is a key component in the government’s OHV Action Plan.  The OHV Infrastructure Fund(Trails) may provide funding to these initiatives. 

OHV Infrastructure Fund Grant applications are being received from October 1, 2011 - December 6, 2011

Note: All original applications must be received no later than 4:00pm on December 6th at the address indicated on the application. No e-mail or faxed applications will be accepted.

Goals of the OHV Infrastructure Fund (Trails) are:

• to provide funding for OHV trail and riding area development
• to support the planning and design associated with these facilities
• to provide funding to help maintain OHV accessible infrastructure

Principles

Principles that guide the OHV Infrastructure Fund (Trails):

• Safe, quality and environmentally responsible infrastructure that meet the provincial guidelines as outlined in Developing Recreational Trails in Nova Scotia - available from www.novascotiatrails.com
• optimizing the use of existing trail infrastructure, to reduce the need for new trail development
• shared use and management
• avoidance of vulnerable and high conservation value areas and contribution to environmental protection
• encouraging community participation
• value landowner concerns
• partnerships between not- for- profits, governments, landowners, private sector
• sustainability (ie. maintenance plan, etc.)
• reasonable public access
• to reduce land use conflicts and inappropriate OHV use by establishing approved OHV trails

Eligibility

The following are eligible for OHV Infrastructure Fund (Trails) assistance:

• Not-for-profit groups registered under the Societies Act (or equivalent) and in good standing
• Landowners (ie. Farmers, woodlot owners, etc.)/Occupiers/Municipalities, through a not-for-profit organization
• Not-for-profit groups must be members of either SANS (Snowmobiler's Association of NS), ATVANS (All Terrain Vehicle Association of NS), NSORRA (NS Off-Road Riders Association), or NSTF (NS Trails Federation) and operating under the policies and principles of that organization

Funding

Applicants may be eligible for funding over more than one year if a multi-year development plan is submitted.

• projects approved for funding are eligible to receive up to 50% of the total project cost, usually not to exceed $50,000 in one fiscal year.
• funding to support design, planning and engineering may be available through the Program
• projects involving fittings, buildings and equipment essential to making the trail and riding area operational are eligible
• Maintenance work is eligible

Based upon the availability of funds there may be more that one allocation date each year. Subsequent deadlines for fund allocations will be announced.  

Application Procedure

1.	Download Application Form - 67 kb pdf or obtain it from one of the places listed below:
	All Terrain Vehicle Association of NS/Snowmobile Association of NS/Off Road Riders Association of NS/NS Trails Federation District offices of the Department of Health Promotion and Protection Participating OHV dealerships District offices of the Department of Natural Resources
2.	Applications funding must be received by 4:00 PM on the deadline date for each round.
3.	During the first year of this program, consideration will be given to projects that are currently ongoing and demonstrate the need for additional resources
4.	A complete original program application form, signed by two signing officers of the organization, must be submitted
5.	This is not a guarantee that funding from this program will be forthcoming
6.	In certain cases, the Ministerial Advisory Committee reserves the right to require additional information that may be necessary for the review of the application
7.	Applicants must provide details on all sources of funding, including users fees, if applicable.  If estimated values of donated materials, equipment and/or labour are to be used, they should be based upon fair market costs.
8.	In kind contributions may be eligible upon application submission.

*NOTE - Catastrophic Trail Maintenance:  In the event of emergencies, funding can be applied for on an ongoing basis.

Application Review and Response Process

1.	A committee consisting of representatives of the OHV Ministerial Advisory Committee will review all applications based upon the completeness of the application, the quality of the project and to what degree it furthers the implementation of the government’s OHV Action Plan.
2.	The review process and awarding of funds may take a number of months.
3.	Successful applicants will be notified in writing outlining the details of the grant.
4.	Grant recipients will be required to demonstrate fiscal responsibility throughout the project.
5.	Projects receiving funds must be completed within the proposed timeframe(s)
6.	Initial funding installments of up to 80 per cent of the approved grant can be made, subject to evidence of reasonable project progress.  All projects are subject to a 20% holdback until proof of completion of the project
7.	Under extraordinary circumstances, where hardship can be demonstrated, other payout arrangements can be made.
8.	Grants may be paid out in installments over several years.
9.	The Recipient of a grant must keep all records, invoices and other documents relating to the project in a consistent manner and must maintain these records for seven full calendar years following the completion of all project reporting requirements.  All financial records must be available for audit at any time. Log sheets
10.	If the applicant uses donated or discounted materials, equipment and/or labour as part of their contribution, detailed records are required.  Samples of log books will be supplied. OHV Infrastructure Fund Grant Logbook Sheets Donated Eqipment, Materials, and Labour (pdf)
11.	Final grant payment is made on the completion of the project.  The Recipient must submit a signed Financial Statement Report form to the OHV Ministerial Advisory Committee.  The financial statement report form must be supported by original receipts and completed logs, if applicable.  A site visit and inspection by representatives of the OHV Ministerial Advisory Committee may be required, prior to the payment of the final installment of the grant.
	Request for Balance of Funding Form
12.	If actual costs are less than the original estimate, the amount of the grant is reviewed and revised accordingly.  Grants do not exceed the direct cash requirements of the project.
13.	If, for any reason, an organization is unable to proceed with a project, or needs to make substantial changes to a project as outlined in the application and in the Minister’s letter of commitment, the Ministerial Advisory Committee must be informed in writing as soon as possible. Changes to the purpose of the project are not permitted without prior approval from the Ministerial Advisory Committee.
14.	The recipient must recognize the Off Highway Vehicle Infrastructure Fund ( i.e.; logo ) contribution in local media or promotional coverage of a funded project. The recipient must agree to post promotional signage if provided by the Ministerial Advisory Committee and it's contribution.
15.	These requirements will be reviewed periodically and criteria may change.