Grants & Projects / Additional Grant Opportunities, News & Updates

Shapiro Administration Invests $2.1 Million to Expand and Improve ATV and Snowmobile Trails Across Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration announced $2.1 million in new investments to expand and improve all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile trails and facilities across Pennsylvania — strengthening the Commonwealth’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry and boosting rural economies.

     

The funding — provided through the ATV Management Restricted Account, Snowmobile Management Restricted Account, and the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program and awarded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) — will support nine projects statewide, ranging from trail construction and equipment purchases to economic impact studies and rider safety programs.

“Outdoor recreation is a major economic driver for our rural communities, and these grants will help expand safe, high-quality ATV and snowmobile opportunities for Pennsylvanians and visitors alike,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to investing in motorized recreation to support local businesses and strengthen communities, and we encourage organizations and municipalities to apply for this funding before the September 30 deadline.”

Projects funded this round include:

DCNR awards grants twice a year to municipalities and organizations for development of publicly accessible ATV and snowmobile trails and facilities. The fall grant round(opens in a new tab) opened on August 1 and closes on September 30. Eligible projects include planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, purchase of equipment for construction and maintenance, and development of educational programs. Grants are open to municipalities, non-profits, and for-profit organizations. While no match is required, applications with matching funds will receive additional consideration.

With a few limited exceptions, all snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must have a registration issued by DCNR. Statewide, Pennsylvania has more than 32,000 active snowmobiles and more than 291,000 ATVs. Grants are administered by DCNR with funding provided from registrations.

From day one, the Shapiro Administration has been dedicated to supporting Pennsylvania’s growing outdoor recreation industry and boosting rural economic development. Investments in ATV and snowmobile projects help ensure safe, high-quality trails and facilities that benefit communities across the Commonwealth.

Last month, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Potter County(opens in a new tab) to announce a $162,461 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant for the White Pine Country Store, Café & Lodge to replace its gas pump storage tanks — reopening the only gas pump for miles. Located along the 600-mile Northcentral Regional ATV Trail(opens in a new tab) across Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, and Tioga counties, the store serves as a hub for riders, anglers, and tourists, with the trail generating $13.1 million in economic impact for Potter and Tioga counties in 2023.

More information about ATV and Snowmobile grants(opens in a new tab) can be found on the DCNR website and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events(opens in a new tab) for events on public lands.

What Can Be Funded?

Grants can only be used to fund projects that support all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or snowmobile riding. Funding comes from the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Management Restricted Account as authorized by Act 97 of 2016(opens in a new tab). Grants are offered twice per year with a Spring grant round opening the first business day in February and closing the last business day in March and a Fall grant round opening the first business day in August and closing the last business day in September.

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Snowmobile Grants Can Fund:

  • Planning, acquisition of land, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities
  • Purchase of equipment for maintenance and construction of ATV and/or snowmobile trails and facilities
  • Educational programs related to the use of ATVs and/or snowmobiles

Who Should Apply?

  • County and municipal governments
  • Non-profit organizations
  • For-profit businesses

What Is the Typical Grant Size?

  • Award amounts vary, ranging between $25,000 – $1,000,000.
  • Match is not required, but it is encouraged.

When Are Applications Accepted?

Grants are offered twice per year with a Spring grant round opening the first business day in February and closing the last business day in March and a Fall grant round opening the fist business day in August and closing the last business day in September.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact your DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation regional advisor (PDF).

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