LWCF Frequently Asked Questions
What is LWCF?
The LWCF program was established by the LWCF Act of 1965. Federal
funds are appropriated by Congress through the Department of
Interior and administered on the federal level by National Park
Service (NPS) and on the state level by the Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Outdoor Recreation Grants
division.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program was
established to stimulate a nationwide action program to assist in
preserving, developing, and assuring to all citizens of the United
States, of present and future generations, such quality and
quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available. The
program provides matching grants to States, and through the States
to local units of government, for the acquisition and development
of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities. Funding for the
program is provided largely from Outer Continental Shelf mineral
receipts, with additional income from the Motorboat Fuels Tax,
recreation user fees, and through the sales of federal surplus
property. Federal LWCF obligations have been matched by state and
local contributions, for a total recreation investment of over $6
billion dollars.
How are Projects Funded?
The LWCF program requires a fifty percent match by the project
sponsor. This match can include cash, in-kind services, and
donations of land/material/services.
The composition of the sponsor's matching share must be approved
by the ORG staff. Only costs and donations incurred during the
project period are eligible for reimbursement. The appraised value
of land donated for the project area can be used as all or part of
the matching share for development.
Title to a donation of or "fee simple purchase" of park land
cannot be transferred to the sponsor prior to project approval by
National Park Service.
Who is Eligible?
Any political jurisdiction of the state, such as a city or county,
and selected state agencies, being sole owners and holding deed to
the proposed acreage, who are interested in acquiring and
developing a public park and recreation area may apply for a LWCF
grant. Individuals may not apply.
What can be Funded?
In order for an application to be considered, it must be a viable
project (i.e., ballfield, soccer field, splash park, etc.).
Applications for support facilities only, do not qualify. It can be
a combination of both.
Acquisition - Acquisition only projects can be
submitted, but will be ranked low in the ratings. According to NPS
guidelines, land that is acquired must be developed.
Development - Physical facilities such as sports
and play fields, tennis courts, picnic facilities, etc.
Acquisition/Development - Land
acquired by donation or negotiated purchase followed by development
of facilities on that land.
How are Grants Obtained?
Once each year the states are notified if money is appropriated.
At that time, Mayors, Presidents of the Board of Supervisors, and
state agencies are notified of the appropriation and are invited to
submit an application. After the application and documentation have
been received, the project is ranked according to the Open Project
Selection Process (OSPS) as identified in the Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Applicants will be
notified when the ranking process is complete.
2009-2014 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
