Grant money for park, rec projects open until Nov. 17

By MIA MALDONO
Of the Oregon Capital Chronicle

Local governments in Oregon have until Nov. 17 to apply for grants that can help pay for park and outdoor recreation infrastructure and facilities.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a grant available to state, local and tribal governments to buy or acquire land, and to rehab areas to turn them into parks and public outdoor recreation areas. Each year, the state has about $4 million worth in grants to award. Grants in the past have ranged from $200,000 for improving playgrounds in Grants Pass to up to $1.6 million for upgrading the welcome center at Smith Rock in central Oregon.

The fund is paid for by the National Park Service and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Since 1964, it has funded more than $80 million for Oregon park and recreational areas and facilities.

The grant application is available online at the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department website, where new applicants must first request an account through the website before they are granted application access.

For more information about the grant program, including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule, visit the Land and Water Conservation Fund web page.

Used with permission by Oregon Capital Chronicle. See more at www.oregoncapitalchronicle.com.