scope:

(a) Funding assistance authorized by section 809(b)(2) shall be provided to State and local government entities to enable them to acquire and develop abandoned railroad rights-of-way for recreation and conservation purposes and to plan for such acquisition and development. As provided for by law, grants shall be made for not more than 90 percent of the cost of the particular project for which funds are sought.

(b) Allocations authorized by section 809(b)(3) shall be made to Federal agencies to enable them to acquire abandoned railroad rights-of-way. Such allocations shall be made for an amount up to the price paid to the owner of the real property proposed for acquisition plus expenses incidental to acquisition such as title work, surveys, appraisals and relocation.

Purpose.

The purpose of these guidelines is to prescribe policies and procedures for administering the funding of projects involving the conversion of abandoned railroad rights-of-way to recreation and conservation uses. Because of the limited funding available, it is the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation's intent to select a few projects which effectively demonstrate the conversion of abandoned railroad rights-of-way for recreation and conservation purposes in a timely manner.