Snowmobile Disaster Relief Grant

What is a Snowmobile Disaster Relief Grant?

It is a grant made available to registered snowmobile clubs or political subdivisions for the remediation of catastrophic weather events that significantly impact the connectivity of the state funded trail system.

Deadline Reminders:

Application - postmarked after August 15th, must be submitted within 60 days after the weather event.
Reimbursement request - postmarked by April 15th of the fiscal year.

Related Forms and Information:

Some of the forms below are downloadable PDF documents. You will need the free Acrobat Reader to view them. If you have difficulty accessing PDF forms call the Snowmobile Program at (207) 287-4957.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is eligible for the Grant?

Disaster Relief Grants are available to any incorporated snowmobile club or political subdivision that participate in the Snowmobile Program trail grooming grants and has an unforeseen, catastrophic weather event on state funded trails.

The snowmobile club is also required to provide a current Snowmobile Club Information Form annually. The club must be legally incorporated with the Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions (624-7752) and in good standing.

How does a club or town apply?

Snowmobile clubs or political subdivisions complete the Bureau's application and returned to the Snowmobile Program for review. Applications must be postmarked after August 15th and must be submitted within 60 days after the weather event.

What information is required with the application?

Submit a description of the event, project description, estimated/actual cost of materials, equipment, labor, etc., needed to complete the proposed work, any copies of permits and bids, written landowner permission if necessary, photos (before and after), map, and the name of a Nonpoint Source DEP certified contractor who will supervise project activity in resource protection areas (Shoreland Zone, wetlands, etc.). All projects must comply with the Bureau's Best Management Practice (BMP) Guidelines for the maintenance of trails.

What type of catastrophic weather event qualifies?

The list of qualifying projects includes, but is not limited to:

1. Catastrophic bridge failure replacement/restoration due to a weather event.
2. Erosion remediation that is necessary due to storm damage.
3. Vegetation management needed due to a storm event.

Grants will not be awarded for damage that is the result of substandard maintenance practices. Repairs or replacement shall be to pre-disaster functional condition.

What type of map must be submitted with the application?

A detailed map showing the location of the project must be submitted. The map should be a topographical map or copy of equal quality. The map must show where the catastrophic weather event occurred.

Is written permission required from the landowner for reparations?

Yes. If the applicant is requesting financial assistance for replacing a bridge or use of heavy equipment, such as bulldozers/excavators, landowner permission must be in writing for the entire area to be repaired.

How does a club or town know whether the grant is approved or denied?

The Snowmobile Advisory Council Review Committee will review applications for grants within 60 days of the date the application is postmarked. The Committee then will submit its recommendation of award or denial to the Director of the Off-road Recreational Vehicle Office. A letter will be sent to the correspondent for each applicant notifying them of the disposition of their application.

Will all applicants receive a grant?

All applications will be processed and reviewed in the order in which they are received by the Bureau. When the disaster relief program funds are exhausted for the fiscal year, the awarding of grants will cease.

How will the club or town know how much money they are approved for?

Grants will be awarded to a maximum of $20,000 but the award cannot exceed 70% of the total approved project cost.

What types of expenses are considered eligible?

Administrative costs, materials, equipment and labor costs for damage (see guidelines and/or rules).

What types of expenses are considered ineligible?

Ineligible expenses are costs for insured or insurable items, items covered by other disaster relief organizations or programs, damage due to substandard maintenance practices, permit fees or fines for violations, or fees paid for/covered by other grants.

When should a reimbursement request be submitted?

The reimbursement request form with receipts, photos of completed work and worksheets must be completed and forwarded to the Snowmobile Program within the fiscal year of the award unless an extension is requested in writing on Bureau forms and approved by the Review Committee prior to the end of the fiscal year. We recommend awardees send their reimbursement request in as soon as possible. In any event, all submissions must be postmarked on or before April 15th.