RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced it is now accepting grant applications for parks and outdoor recreation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, up to $7 million will be available. The Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program is a 50-50% matching reimbursement program for acquiring, developing and rehabilitating park areas.
Since 1965, DCR notes nearly $126 million has been invested in more than 420 projects in Virginia, such as new public parks and improved amenities. All projects must be maintained and kept open as public outdoor recreation areas in perpetuity.
According to the Virginia Outdoors Survey, most Virginians place a high value on access to outdoor recreation, and the most needed outdoor recreation opportunities are natural areas, trails and parks.
Eligible applicants include state agencies, cities, counties, park authorities and federally or state-recognized Indian tribes, according to DCR. Recipients must be able to fund 100% of their project while seeking periodic reimbursements.
The minimum grant award will be $125,000 with a minimum total project cost of $250,000. The maximum grant award amount is $2 million.
Potential applicants can learn more about this funding opportunity and how to navigate the requirements by viewing the Virginia Outdoors Plan. Visit Section 4 at vop-vdcr.hub.arcgis.com/pages/grants-page, which includes an interactive map of recreation resources supported through LWCF across Virginia.
A virtual workshop for potential applicants is planned for Wednesday, June 11 from 2-3:30 p.m. Information about the workshop, an updated program manual, application materials, and applicant resources is at dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/lwcf.
The deadline for submitting applications is Aug. 28 by 4 p.m. Applications must be emailed to recreationgrants@dcr.virginia.gov.
