Arapahoe County advisers recommend raising open-space grant cap to $750,000
The advisory board backed a higher maximum for standard grants while keeping the proposed 2027 grant pool at $5.5 million. County commissioners were scheduled to consider the proposal Sept. 28.
The Arapahoe County Open Space and Trails Advisory Board voted 4-0 to recommend raising the maximum standard grant for the 2027 cycle from $600,000 to $750,000, while keeping the proposed total grant pool at $5.5 million, the advisory board’s recommendation records.
The proposal would reserve $4 million for standard grants and up to $750,000 each for small and planning grants. The maximum award in those two categories would remain $150,000. Open Spaces staff cited grantee feedback, inflation and higher construction costs in recommending the larger standard-grant cap, saying it could help applicants cover project costs and avoid phasing some projects, the staff report says.
The higher cap could allow eligible municipalities and recreation or special districts to seek larger awards for qualifying projects. Standard grants require a cash match of at least 25% of total project cost. An applicant seeking the full $750,000 would need a project budget of at least $1 million, including at least $250,000 in cash match, the grant program’s policies explain.
The Board of County Commissioners was scheduled to consider the proposal at a Sept. 28 study session, the county agenda listing shows. The advisory board’s recommendation is not final county approval.