The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting comments on proposed rule changes that would allow tribal governments to apply for ATV Grants. The proposed amendment is a result of requests from stakeholders to be included as eligible participants in the grant program. The proposed rule changes expand the pool of entities eligible to apply for funding, but do not change the existing grant rules or guarantee funding to any specific groups. In addition, the rule changes would add two members to the ATV advisory committee as required by HB 3455 from 2015. OPRD will accept comments until 5 p.m. March 30, 2018. Anyone wishing to comment in person may attend a public hearing at 6 p.m. March 28 in Salem’s North Mall Office Building, Room 124A, at 725 Summer St. NE. The full text of the amendments to Oregon Administrative Rule 736-004-0015, 736-004-0025, and 736-004-0085 is available online at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/RULES/Pages/Rulemaking%20Notices.aspx Comments can be made directly on this webpage, via e-mail to OPRD.publiccomment@oregon.gov or in writing to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, attn.: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301. After reviewing public comments, agency staff plan to present a final recommended rule for consideration by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission at its April 2018 business meeting. The ATV Grant Program provides funding statewide for off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. Grant funds come from ATV user permit sales and a percentage of gasoline tax money. ATV Grants help pay for operation and maintenance, law enforcement, emergency medical services, land acquisition, planning, and development in Oregon’s OHV recreation areas. More information on the grant program is available at http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/ATV/Pages/Grants.aspx.
