Opportunity Information: Apply for F12AS00086
Apply for F12AS00086
- The Fish and Wildlife Service in the community development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Transportation and Connectivity of Trails" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.631 Partners for Fish and Wildlife.
- This funding opportunity was created on Feb 23, 2012 and posted on Feb 23, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 24, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $350,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $350,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- This Single Source Award is being made in accordance with Department of the Interior policy 505 DM 2.14 B, 2 Continuation The activity to be funded is necessary to the satisfactory completion of, or is a continuation of an activity presently being funded, and for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity, which allows for award without competition to an applicant.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
Transportation and Connectivity of Trails (Funding Opportunity Number F12AS00086) was a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discretionary grant/cooperative agreement announced in February 2012 to support planning for a connected regional trail system in the northeast Denver metro area. The intent of the award was to fund work led by the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership to map out and advance a network of off-road trail connections linking surrounding communities to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (RMANWR) Complex, including Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR, Rocky Flats NWR, and Two Ponds NWR. The emphasis is on creating practical, continuous routes that improve public access while also aligning trail planning with habitat protection and restoration goals across multiple jurisdictions.
The announcement is a Notice of Intent for a single-source cooperative agreement rather than an open competitive solicitation. It cites Department of the Interior policy (505 DM 2.14 B) allowing a non-competitive award when the work is a continuation of ongoing efforts and competition would disrupt continuity or completion. The total estimated funding for the effort was $350,000, with an award ceiling of $350,000 and no cost sharing or matching requirement. The opportunity anticipated one award, was posted February 23, 2012, and had a very short application window with a closing date of February 24, 2012, later archived March 1, 2012. The assistance listing referenced is CFDA 15.631 (Partners for Fish and Wildlife). Eligibility is described broadly as "Others," but the text makes clear the intended recipient is the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership under this continuation rationale.
The work program focuses heavily on early-stage project development: corridor planning, 30 percent to 50 percent construction design drawings, environmental documentation, utility and right-of-way surveys, right-of-way negotiations, and public involvement/outreach. In other words, the funding is aimed at getting priority trail segments and greenway concepts far enough along that they can move toward permitting and construction, while reducing common barriers like unclear easements, utility conflicts, grading constraints, and incomplete environmental review.
A major component is the Stapleton/Commerce City Sand Creek Greenway Link Trail, described as the key southern link that would directly connect the RMANWR Visitor Center to the Sand Creek Regional Greenway (SCRG). The SCRG is highlighted as the only existing east-west off-road trail connection in the northeast metro region and a backbone route that can also tie into other trails leading toward Rocky Flats and Two Ponds. Because the preferred connection crosses multiple ownerships, the plan covers land in Commerce City and Denver as well as property under a special district, the Park Creek Metro District.
Within that southern link effort, Commerce City would use funds to plan and design a trail running from the RMANWR Visitor Center south to 56th Avenue (Commerce City limits). The citys scope includes developing 30 to 50 percent design drawings, completing environmental documentation, conducting surveys for utilities, addressing right-of-way needs, and running public involvement activities for the alignment between 56th Avenue and the southern boundary of the refuge. A consultant role is specifically noted to evaluate potential utility conflicts and grading challenges and to produce more advanced (50 percent) construction drawings.
Park Creek Metro District would address the continuation of the link south of 56th Avenue, generally along Spruce Street and Spruce Way toward the underpass at Northfield Boulevard. From there, the plan considers two alternatives to reach the Sand Creek Regional Greenway: a western option along Quebec Street to a pedestrian bridge over Sand Creek, or an eastern option through Northfield Ponds Park to the Conoco trail near the south side of the Northfield shopping center, then to Central Park Boulevard and on to the SCRG. Park Creek Metro Districts work would similarly concentrate on 30 to 50 percent design, environmental documentation, utility and right-of-way surveys, and right-of-way negotiations for the selected alignment.
The Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership would also complete design and supporting documentation for a Parallel Trails Plan along the Sand Creek Regional Greenway itself, covering the segment from 47th Avenue to Peoria Avenue. This component calls for designing parallel facilities, one paved and one unpaved, along with the usual package of environmental work, surveys, right-of-way efforts, and public involvement. The goal is to strengthen the SCRG as a reliable spine route and improve connections to RMANWR from multiple directions, including the west, east, and north.
Beyond the southern link, the opportunity supports broader regional connectivity and ecological restoration planning through the Northeast Greenway Corridor (NGC) Restoration Plan. In this piece, the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership would administer funds for an inter-jurisdictional partnership that includes Adams County; the cities of Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, and Thornton; the Colorado Attorney Generals Office; and the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership. This coalition is developing the Greenway Project, a coordinated plan for urban greenways, trails, and open spaces near RMANWR extending from Denver to Brighton and from Commerce City to Aurora. The restoration plan is framed not just as recreation planning, but as creating and preserving high-quality habitat that complements the refuges resources, including stream and river corridors, riparian ecosystems, wildlife migration routes, and recreation trails integrated into one cross-boundary network. Funding would support route selection for off-road pathways and greenways that link into RMANWR, plus environmental documentation, utility and right-of-way surveys, right-of-way negotiations, and extensive public outreach.
Another specific connectivity project is the OBrian Canal Trail Plan, envisioned as a major north-south route in Commerce City with eastward links to RMANWR. The announcement notes that design work for the canal trail between 128th Avenue and 96th Avenue is already underway, but additional planning and design is needed for the segment from 96th Avenue south to the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, which in turn connects to the South Platte River Greenway. This canal-side trail is presented as a way to connect many more residents to RMANWR, Two Ponds NWR, and Rocky Flats NWR. A key implementation issue here is property and access: the Farmers Irrigation and Reservoir Company (FRICO) owns the canal, and Commerce City anticipates negotiating a recreational easement so a trail can be built adjacent to the canal along an existing maintenance road. The planned southern connection would link to the Platte River Greenway at 70th Avenue and Colorado (Commerce Citys Fernald Trail) and would connect to the Sand Creek Trail around 62nd Avenue.
Overall, the grant opportunity is best understood as a targeted planning-and-design investment to stitch together existing and proposed trail corridors into a coherent regional system centered on access to the RMANWR Complex. It funds the technical groundwork (design drawings, environmental compliance, utility and right-of-way work, and public engagement) needed to move from concept-level ideas to buildable trail projects, while also embedding trail development within a broader greenway and habitat restoration framework shared across multiple local governments and partners. For questions, the announcement lists Steve Berendzen (Fish and Wildlife Service) as the project officer at 303-289-0350 and steveberendzen@fws.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Transportation and Connectivity of Trails opportunity (F12AS00086)?
Transportation and Connectivity of Trails (Funding Opportunity Number F12AS00086) was a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service discretionary grant/cooperative agreement announced in February 2012. It was designed to support planning for a connected regional trail system in the northeast Denver metro area, with a focus on off-road trail connections that improve access to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (RMANWR) Complex while aligning with habitat protection and restoration goals.
Which federal agency announced this opportunity?
The opportunity was announced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. Department of the Interior).
What is the main purpose of the funding?
The funding was intended to advance early-stage project development for a regional network of connected, practical, continuous off-road trail routes. The work emphasized corridor planning, partial construction design (30% to 50%), environmental documentation, utility and right-of-way surveys, right-of-way negotiations, and public involvement so that priority trail segments could move toward permitting and construction.
What area and trail system does the project focus on?
The project focuses on the northeast Denver metro area and aims to link surrounding communities to the RMANWR Complex through a coherent network of off-road trail connections. It also strengthens the Sand Creek Regional Greenway (SCRG) as a core east-west spine route and improves connections in multiple directions.
Which refuges are included in the RMANWR Complex referenced in the opportunity?
The opportunity references the RMANWR Complex as including Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, and Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge.
Is this an open, competitive grant opportunity?
No. The announcement was a Notice of Intent for a single-source cooperative agreement rather than an open competitive solicitation.
Why was the award structured as a single-source (non-competitive) cooperative agreement?
The notice cites Department of the Interior policy (505 DM 2.14 B) that allows a non-competitive award when the work is a continuation of ongoing efforts and competition would disrupt continuity or completion.
Who was the intended recipient?
Although eligibility is described broadly as "Others," the notice makes clear the intended recipient was the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership under the continuation rationale described in the announcement.
What was the estimated total funding amount and maximum award?
The total estimated funding for the effort was $350,000, and the award ceiling was also $350,000.
Was cost sharing or a match required?
No. The opportunity states there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.
How many awards were anticipated?
The opportunity anticipated one award.
When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?
It was posted on February 23, 2012, and had a closing date of February 24, 2012. The opportunity was later archived on March 1, 2012.
What assistance listing (CFDA) is referenced?
The assistance listing referenced is CFDA 15.631 (Partners for Fish and Wildlife).
What types of activities were funded under the work program?
The work program emphasized planning and pre-construction development activities, including:
- Corridor planning for trail alignments and connectivity
- 30% to 50% construction design drawings
- Environmental documentation
- Utility surveys and evaluation of utility conflicts
- Right-of-way surveys and right-of-way needs assessment
- Right-of-way negotiations and related coordination
- Public involvement and outreach
What is the Stapleton/Commerce City Sand Creek Greenway Link Trail and why is it important?
The Stapleton/Commerce City Sand Creek Greenway Link Trail is described as the key southern link that would directly connect the RMANWR Visitor Center to the Sand Creek Regional Greenway. It is important because the SCRG is highlighted as the only existing east-west off-road trail connection in the northeast metro region and serves as a backbone route that can also connect toward other refuges and trail systems.
Why does the southern link require coordination across multiple landowners or jurisdictions?
The preferred connection crosses multiple ownerships. Planning for the link includes land in Commerce City and Denver, as well as property managed by a special district: the Park Creek Metro District.
What was Commerce City expected to do under the southern link effort?
Commerce City was expected to plan and design a trail segment running from the RMANWR Visitor Center south to 56th Avenue (Commerce City limits). The scope included developing 30% to 50% design drawings, completing environmental documentation, conducting utility surveys, addressing right-of-way needs, and leading public involvement activities for the alignment between 56th Avenue and the southern boundary of the refuge.
What role did consultants play in Commerce City's scope?
A consultant role is specifically noted to evaluate potential utility conflicts and grading challenges and to produce more advanced (50%) construction drawings.
What was Park Creek Metro District expected to do under the southern link effort?
Park Creek Metro District was expected to address the continuation of the link south of 56th Avenue, generally along Spruce Street and Spruce Way toward the underpass at Northfield Boulevard. Their work similarly focused on 30% to 50% design, environmental documentation, utility and right-of-way surveys, and right-of-way negotiations for the selected alignment.
What alignment options were considered for connecting from Northfield Boulevard to the Sand Creek Regional Greenway?
From the Northfield Boulevard underpass area, two alternatives were described:
- A western option along Quebec Street to a pedestrian bridge over Sand Creek
- An eastern option through Northfield Ponds Park to the Conoco trail near the south side of the Northfield shopping center, then to Central Park Boulevard and on to the SCRG
What is the Parallel Trails Plan along the Sand Creek Regional Greenway?
The Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership was to complete design and supporting documentation for a Parallel Trails Plan along the SCRG segment from 47th Avenue to Peoria Avenue. This plan called for designing parallel facilities: one paved and one unpaved, along with environmental work, surveys, right-of-way efforts, and public involvement.
What is the Northeast Greenway Corridor (NGC) Restoration Plan component?
The opportunity included support for the Northeast Greenway Corridor (NGC) Restoration Plan, described as part of a broader inter-jurisdictional effort to coordinate urban greenways, trails, and open spaces near RMANWR. It is framed as both recreation and habitat-focused planning, emphasizing stream and river corridors, riparian ecosystems, wildlife migration routes, and integrated recreation trails across boundaries.
Which partners were included in the inter-jurisdictional coalition for the NGC Restoration Plan?
The coalition is described as including Adams County; the cities of Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, and Thornton; the Colorado Attorney General's Office; and the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership.
What specific tasks were funded under the NGC Restoration Plan work?
Funding supported route selection for off-road pathways and greenways linking into RMANWR, along with environmental documentation, utility and right-of-way surveys, right-of-way negotiations, and extensive public outreach.
What is the OBrian Canal Trail Plan?
The OBrian Canal Trail Plan is described as a major north-south route in Commerce City with eastward links to RMANWR. The notice indicates that design work between 128th Avenue and 96th Avenue was already underway, while additional planning and design was needed for the segment from 96th Avenue south to the Sand Creek Regional Greenway (which connects to the South Platte River Greenway).
Why is the OBrian Canal Trail Plan considered important for regional connectivity?
It is presented as a way to connect many more residents to RMANWR, Two Ponds NWR, and Rocky Flats NWR by creating a substantial north-south trail corridor with connections into existing greenway systems.
What property or access issue was identified for the OBrian Canal Trail Plan?
The Farmers Irrigation and Reservoir Company (FRICO) owns the canal. Commerce City anticipated negotiating a recreational easement so a trail could be built adjacent to the canal along an existing maintenance road.
Where were the planned southern connections for the canal trail described?
The planned southern connection would link to the Platte River Greenway at 70th Avenue and Colorado (Commerce City's Fernald Trail) and would connect to the Sand Creek Trail around 62nd Avenue.
Does the opportunity fund trail construction?
The described work program focuses on planning, partial design (30% to 50%), environmental documentation, and right-of-way and utility work that helps projects move toward permitting and construction. The notice does not describe this funding as paying for full construction.
How does the opportunity balance recreation access with habitat protection?
The intent is to improve public access through continuous off-road trail routes while aligning trail planning with habitat protection and restoration goals. The NGC Restoration Plan is explicitly framed around preserving and creating high-quality habitat (including riparian systems and wildlife migration routes) alongside recreation trail planning.
Who was listed as the point of contact for questions?
The announcement lists Steve Berendzen (Fish and Wildlife Service) as the project officer.
What contact details were provided for the project officer?
Phone: 303-289-0350
Email: steveberendzen@fws.gov
Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Fish and Wildlife Service
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Community Development
Next opportunity: Rural Health Research Center Cooperative Agreement
Previous opportunity: 2012 JFSP Funding Proposals
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for F12AS00086
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (F12AS00086) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Groundwork New Orleans Apply for P12PA30189 Funding Number: P12PA30189 Agency: National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Building Alliance for Local Advancement, Development, and Investment (BALADI) Apply for SOL 268 12 000006 Funding Number: SOL 268 12 000006 Agency: Egypt USAID Cairo Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $6,250,000 |
| Costa Rica CARSI ESF Apply for 2012 Funding Number: 2012 Agency: U.S Mission to Costa Rica Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Rural Youth Development Apply for USDA NIFA F4HN 003726 Funding Number: USDA NIFA F4HN 003726 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $288,000 |
| Prairie Dog Population and Habitat Monitoring Apply for F12AS00130 Funding Number: F12AS00130 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $32,500 |
| Community and Economic Development to Combat Crime Apply for S BH200 12 ESF Funding Number: S BH200 12 ESF Agency: U.S. Mission to Belize Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Community Connect Grant Program Apply for RDRUS CC 2012 Funding Number: RDRUS CC 2012 Agency: Utilities Programs Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Household Water Well System Grant Program Apply for RDRUS 12 01 HWWS Funding Number: RDRUS 12 01 HWWS Agency: Utilities Programs Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Building Safe Communities through Community Policing Apply for S BH200 12 CP Funding Number: S BH200 12 CP Agency: U.S. Mission to Belize Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NATIONAL MINORITY AGING ORGANIZATIONS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTERS CONSORTIUM NATIVE AMERICAN CENTER Apply for HHS 2012 AOA HD 1215 Funding Number: HHS 2012 AOA HD 1215 Agency: Administration on Aging Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $226,546 |
| Development Assistance Fund DAF 2012 Apply for APS 527 12 000003 Funding Number: APS 527 12 000003 Agency: Peru USAID Lima Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Reuse of Brownfields and other Derelict Sites Apply for NPS WASO P12AC31640 Funding Number: NPS WASO P12AC31640 Agency: National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Veterans Cemetery Grants Apply for VA GRANTS NCA FY2013 Funding Number: VA GRANTS NCA FY2013 Agency: VA National Cemetery Administration Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $46,000,000 |
| Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Tier 2, Competitive Apply for F12AS00205 Funding Number: F12AS00205 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Tier 1, Basic Apply for F12AS00217 Funding Number: F12AS00217 Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| FY 2012 Bank Enterprise Award Program Apply for CDFI 2012 BEA Funding Number: CDFI 2012 BEA Agency: Community Development Financial Institutions Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Intent to Award to assist in the development of three urban communities Apply for NPS WASO P12AC12178 Funding Number: NPS WASO P12AC12178 Agency: National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| Groundwork Portland development of East Portland Brownfields project and Green Team Project Apply for WASO NPS P12AC12187 Funding Number: WASO NPS P12AC12187 Agency: National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Groundwork Portland Fort Vancouver Apply for NPS WASO P12AC12188 Funding Number: NPS WASO P12AC12188 Agency: National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $6,000 |
| National Public Lands Day Coordination Apply for NPS WCP WASO P12AC31002 Funding Number: NPS WCP WASO P12AC31002 Agency: National Park Service Category: Community Development Funding Amount: $45,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "F12AS00086", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.