The Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) board has invited 17 projects to submit full applications for funding via GOCO’s River Corridors Initiative, developed to fund outdoor recreation and open space projects along river corridors throughout Colorado.


GOCO issued a Request for Concept Papers in August 2011 advertising up to $18 million available for grants in 2012 for river-based projects. The response from local governments and land trusts was tremendous with 63 potential projects submitted requesting more than $160 million.


Because of the massive response GOCO received, the GOCO Board will likely make a multiyear commitment to the River Corridors Initiative and award up to $31.9 million in grants in June 2012.


“This will be a very competitive grant round. The initial concept papers indicate that the 17 projects recommended to submit full applications will request as much as $90 million from GOCO,” said GOCO Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug. “Staff will work closely with applicants in the coming months to identify the most urgent aspects of projects and which elements are most appropriate for GOCO funding. However, it is unlikely that all of the applications submitted will receive funding and several will be asked to combine their efforts with their neighbors where projects overlap.”


The River Corridors Initiative is the result of input received at public hearings during GOCO’s 2009-2010 Strategic Planning Process, which revealed that communities throughout the state want more projects based around these important outdoor recreation and open space corridors.


In reviewing applications, GOCO will look for projects that either provide direct access to river-based open space and recreational opportunities-including trails in appropriate locations-or those that provide buffers to river-based open space and/or recreational facilities. Additionally, GOCO will consider whether significant progress can be made on the project within three years.


GOCO's board also awarded $5.9 million in GOCO/Lottery funds at its Dec. 13 meeting to 27 projects throughout the state earlier this month. The projects will enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, create plans for future projects, and protect roughly 2,447 acres of open space. GOCO received 78 eligible applications requesting $15.4 million for its fall 2011 cycle.
Created in 1992 thanks to the passage of a citizen initiative, GOCO receives up to one-half of Colorado Lottery proceeds to award grants to local governments and land trusts and make investments through Colorado Parks & Wildlife.