OHP council allows 12‑month in‑kind match, approves grant cycle changes and a slate of recreation grants

The Utah Off‑Highway Vehicle Program Advisory Council voted on Aug. 20 to amend its grant rules to allow volunteer hours and other in‑kind contributions to be counted as grant matching funds when the work was completed within 12 months prior to a grant contract being executed.

The change, offered as an amendment to the rule cited in materials as R650‑301 (OHP Recreation Grant rules), passed after several hours of discussion over how to verify that pre‑award work was directly tied to a given project and how to avoid gaming the system. Council members also approved a related clarification to keep the program’s two grant cycles per year, with staff publishing final dates and guidance for applicants.

Why it matters: The in‑kind rule was aimed at recognizing legitimate volunteer planning, NEPA and on‑the‑ground trail work that communities and partners already undertake before a grant is awarded. Council members said counting properly‑documented pre‑award work can increase leverage on state funds and raise the quality of applications. Staff said the change must include documentation requirements and discretion by program staff to reject in‑kind claims that are not clearly tied to the awarded project.

Key council debate and outcome

Councilmember Scott (Sheriff) Curtis moved the amendment after members raised repeated concerns about specificity and verification. “I want to make sure on that in kind this is one that’s really got me concerned,” Curtis…