Illinois DNR awards grant to expand LaSalle County off road park

MARSEILLES – Another grant has been given by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to expand a LaSalle County off-road park. It was announced Friday that a $350,000 grant was given to James W. Lowry, Jr for the acquisition of 70 acres of an existing 180-acre off-highway-vehicle park. The grant program provides financial assistance to government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop, operate, maintain and acquire land for vehicle parks, facilities and trails. In 2019, the program previously awarded $653,500 for 80 acres at the same location to be open to the public.
Grant funds come from two primary sources. All-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles (purchased for uses other than agricultural) must apply for a $30 certificate of title. Those funds are used for the OHV Grant Program. In addition, riders must purchase a public access sticker for machines operated on sites supported by OHV grant funds.