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Trail signage of the type seen above may qualify for funding under the new Active Transportation program. (ANDREA GEARY)

Money to support active transportation projects such as constructing bike racks, pedestrian pathways and cycling trails is now available to rural municipalities and northern communities in Manitoba with fewer than 50,000 residents.

Leita Kalinowsky, director of strategic local government initiatives for the province, said $1 million of the province’s share of federal gas tax revenue is being used to fund the active transportation program. The province will match up to $50,000 to pay for approved projects.

"It’s going to be delivered over the next two years," she said.

Eligible projects include bike racks, lockers and paths, pedestrian sidewalks and paths, and lighting and signage along trails, sidewalks and bike paths. The projects don’t have to be entirely new ones and can be phased in.

Kalinowsky said the program complements the federal government’s infrastructure funding offered to municipalities during the past few years.

However, the active transportation program supports ways in which Manitobans can travel without using their vehicles and is part of the provincial government’s three-year action plan to promote and improve active transportation across Manitoba, she said.

Community groups are encouraged to partner with their municipalities to apply for grants.