1. (1) The division may, with available funding, award an outdoor recreation mitigation grant as described in this section.

2. (2) In the event the division receives grant applications in excess of funding available to make grants, the division shall:

   1. (a) Provide a prioritization matrix that enables the Board to analyze, advise, and recommend grants for award; and
   2. (b) Describe the matrix in the grant application.

3. (3) The prioritization matrix shall assess and value various categories, including whether the proposed "Eligible costs" address "Visitor-related emergency costs" or "Visitor-related safety costs."The prioritization matrix shall apply the following order of priority:

   1. (a) "Visitor-related emergency costs"

      1. (i) search and rescue
      2. (ii) emergency medical services
      3. (iii) road repair and upgrades
      4. (iv) smaller populations over larger populations

   2. (b) "Visitor-related safety costs"

      1. (i) solid waste disposal operations
      2. (ii) law enforcement
      3. (iii) road repair and upgrades
      4. (iv) smaller populations over larger populations

   3. (c) After making priority determination described in this section the division may prioritize available funding based on need in terms of:

      1. (i) amount of outdoor recreation and tourism taking place within the eligible county;
      2. (ii) the eligible counties' existing capacity to manage search and rescue efforts or emergency medical services without additional financial assistance;
      3. (iii) the eligible counties' existing capacity to manage search and rescue efforts or emergency medical services without additional financial assistance;
      4. (iv) the eligible counties' existing capacity to manage tourism-related safety costs without additional financial assistance;
4. (4) Use of grant funds in a manner considered reasonable and necessary as determined by a submitted budget or past project performance that demonstrates the applicant's fiscal integrity;
5. (5) Offer partnerships and cooperative efforts for the mitigation efforts among agencies and users, including opportunities for cooperative funding;

6. (6) The Board shall, upon receipt of a grant application from the division:

   1. (a) review and consider the grant application; and
   2. (b) consult with and recommend to the division whether granted funds should be awarded based on the prioritization matrix in the grant application
7. (7) The director shall select and approve grant applications based on the prioritization matrix in the grant application, taking into consideration recommendations from division staff and the Board, which may be in the form of joint or separate recommendations.
8. (8) Within two weeks of the director's approval, the division shall notify applicants of the final decision on the applicant's grant application.
9. (9) The division shall inform successful applicants of the expected contractual requirements.
10. (10) The division shall inform unsuccessful applicants that their application was not successful.
11. (11) The division shall inform the Board of grants approved for award.

KEY: outdoor recreation mitigation grant, outdoor recreation grants

Date of Last Change: May 8, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 79-9-101 et seq.