PIERRE - Bicyclists, hikers and motorized trail users will soon have several new places in South Dakota to enjoy their leisure time.

Gov. Mike Rounds recently awarded Recreational Trails Program funding to several communities and organizations. The federal assistance program provides as much as 80 percent reimbursement for trail-related development and maintenance projects.

The following local sponsors were awarded grants: Black Hills Mountain Bike Association for trail building equipment; Black Hills Nordic Ski Club for trail grooming equipment; City of Box Elder for trail construction; City of Custer for trail construction; City of Dell Rapids for trail construction; City of Mitchell for signing of the bike trail; City of Rapid City for trail work at Skyline Nature Area.

The following state recreation areas were awarded grants for trail improvement projects: Angostura Recreation Area, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, Mickelson Trail and North Point Recreation Area.

The following motorized trail projects were awarded grants: Black Hills National Forest for signing of authorized off-highway vehicle roads and purchase of trail building equipment; Black Hills Snowmobile Trail system for purchase of trail grooming equipment; Revheim Bay OHV Area for the purchase of a new vault toilet; SD Snowmobile Association for a snowmobile safety ad campaign.