Snowmobile Capital Equipment Grant

The Snowmobile Capital Equipment Grant, established in 1998, aims to assist with the high costs of grooming equipment for snowmobile trails in Maine. Funded by registration fees, the program reimburses registered clubs and towns for up to 40% of approved equipment costs. Eligible applicants must be political subdivisions or incorporated snowmobile clubs engaged in trail grooming, ensuring vital winter trail maintenance across the state. This grant supports sustainable recreation and community engagement in Maine's outdoor activities.

What is a Snowmobile Capital Equipment Reimbursement Grant?
The grant program was established in 1998 to help offset the cost of expensive grooming equipment. Ten dollars ($10.00) from each resident snowmobile registration fee and fifteen ($15.00) from each non-resident snowmobile registration is placed in a dedicated fund. Each year the Bureau will payout approved capital equipment grants to registered clubs, towns or counties for equipment primarily used for the grooming of snowmobile trails in the State of Maine.
How much is the grant?
Reimbursement is a percentage of the cost of the equipment for the approved grants. The percentage is determined annually by the State of Maine Advisory Council once the available grant allotment has been reported to the Bureau. Our current policy is to fund 40% of the approved cost after all other revenue sources have been reviewed and to the extent funding is available to do so.

Eligibility

Who is eligible for the Grant?Capital Equipment Reimbursement Grants are available to any political subdivision or an incorporated snowmobile club that participates in the Snowmobile Program’s trail grooming grants and purchased snowmobile trail grooming equipment. The snowmobile club is required to provide the Snowmobile Club Information Form (PDF 156KB) annually.Operators of capital grant supported equipment must successfully complete the “Maine Trail Groomer Operator Awareness Training” program  and quiz  prior to being awarded a grant.What kind of equipment is eligible?Any equipment wider than 10 feet is not eligible for this grant program. Equipment must be for the purpose of winter grooming of trails that are established with the Bureau of Parks and Lands Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Office.This grant allows for one groomer or one drag, or one of each on a single application.

Ineligibility

Two Groomers or two drags will not be allowed.