April 19, 2004
To: SEAtrails Community Participants,
The Board of Directors of the Southeast Alaska Trail System - SEAtrails is pleased to announce a call for proposals for trail improvement projects from participating SEAtrails communities.
SEAtrails was established in 2000 to facilitate planning, promotion, maintenance, and construction of a region-wide, Southeast Alaska trail system that will stimulate economic development, enhance quality of life, and improve transportation. It is our intent, that by improving the Southeast trail system, and joining forces with Alaska’s Marine Highway System, we will showcase Southeast Alaska’s diverse recreational opportunities, strengthen existing transportation services, and encourage business development. SEAtrails will bring a vibrant new identity to this long-distance recreation corridor for hikers, kayakers, cyclists, cultural enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, SCUBA divers, and others wishing to travel throughout the region and experience spectacular Southeast Alaska.
We now have an unprecedented opportunity to implement trail improvements across the region. Funding for these improvements come from Congressional appropriations, championed by Senator Ted Stevens, through the Federal Highway Administration. SEAtrails plans to distribute funds throughout the Southeast region, for a diverse range of projects, via a cost reimbursable grant program. SEAtrails Project Grants can be used for a wide variety of trail development activities including design, planning, rebuilding, and construction of trails. Project Grants can also be used for easement acquisition, signage, informational materials, and trailhead implementation. Preference will be given to projects in public rights of way or open to public use and we encourage projects that have matching funds. Grant amounts will be between $1,000 and $45,000.
The April, 2003 SEAtrails Assessment Report outlined the initial list of trails and features nominated by each community. These trails will be considered first among those proposals that are submitted. The Assessment Report can be seen on the SEAtrails website at www.seatrails.org. Other trails can be nominated provided community support is documented. If a local government, tribal, or community organization has not yet sponsored a resolution of support and participation in SEAtrails, it may be sent along with your Proposal. Copies of the current resolutions are posted on the website.
Please complete the attached proposal form and send it along with supporting materials to the SEAtrails address indicated on the letterhead above. Please keep answers clear and concise and within a total limit of three pages. Proposals must be postmarked by May 31, 2004 in order to be considered. If a project is selected, additional details, a letter of cooperative agreement with the trail owner/manager and documentation of maintenance capabilities may be required before the grant is awarded.
If you have questions, please contact Amber Guy at 907-364-2427,907-209-2011, or e-mail . Thank you for your continued support and participation as we strive to make Southeast Alaska an even better place to live, work, and play.
Sincerely,
Davey Lubin, SEAtrails Chair
SEAtrails is a 501© 3 organization that is pursuing it’s mission on behalf of 17 local governing or community associations (Angoon, Coffman Cove, Craig, Gustavus, Haines, Hydaburg, Juneau, Kake, Ketchikan, Naukati, Pelican, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway, Thorne Bay, Whale Pass and Wrangell) in cooperation with the State of Alaska, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration.
Southeast Alaska Trail System ---- Project Proposal 2004
Name and location of project:
Submitted by:
Project category:
____Trail Improvement (land, marine, historic, cultural, other)
____Maps and Information
____Signs
____Access and related improvements
____Planning and/or Design
Amount Requested:
Description of Project (include a map):
Land or property owners (indicate ownership on map):
Is the project on a public right of way or easement?
Is there National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) documentation required for the project? Have approvals been requested? Explain.
Is there a user fee associated with this facility or product?
If yes, what will the fee be used for?
How will this proposal benefit the quality of life in your community and region?
Describe or document the level of community support for this project.
How does this proposal increase the number of private sector businesses located in the region?
What will this proposal do to increase the proportion of local employment opportunities related to outdoor recreation? Transportation? Tourism?
What will this proposal do to enhance the regional transportation system, specifically Alaska’s Marine Highway System?
What cultural or educational benefits will this proposal add for visitors and the community?
Can your proposal operate under a reimbursable agreement with SEAtrails? Are there other or additional funding sources available for your proposal? If so, what are they?