Bear basin groomer

The Idaho Department of Transportation received a $315,000 Formula Grant award from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Recreational Trails Program (CFDA 20.219) on September 16, 2025. The award funds the Bear Basin Groomer project, which involves the procurement of grooming equipment for the Payette Lakes Ski Club. This equipment acquisition supports trail maintenance and grooming operations at the recreational facility, aligning with the program's authorized uses for purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment serving motorized and non-motorized recreational trail users. The project has an ultimate completion date of December 31, 2029.

Under the Recreational Trails Program, formula grant funds support development, maintenance, and rehabilitation of recreational trails and related facilities across states. Equipment acquisitions such as grooming machinery represent eligible uses designed to enhance trail maintenance capacity and recreational access. As the designated state agency administering Idaho's Recreational Trails Program apportionment, the Idaho Department of Transportation manages project selection and implementation in accordance with state priorities and federal program requirements.

Project description

Payette lakes SKI club grooming equipment