Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have recommended projects in the state to share $7,790,400 in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants.
The 22 community and state parks, trails, and sports facilities suggested for funding are in Bay, Berrien, Emmet, Ingham, Kent, Mason, Mecosta, Muskegon, Oakland, Oceana, Ontonagon, Otsego, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
That grants will support campground developments, park renovations and improvements, accessible playground development, accessibility improvements, and more. Click here to know more about the projects.
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund is critical to creating quality outdoor recreation resources that add value and improve the quality of life for communities throughout Michigan,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
“This fund is an excellent example of successful collaboration among federal, state, and local government partners that yields health and social benefits for residents and visitors,” she added.
“Michigan residents and visitors turn to trails, parks, campgrounds, and other welcoming public places to connect with family, friends, and the outdoors,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “The Land and Water Conservation Fund, along with other important grant programs administered by the DNR, continues to provide vital access to Michigan’s out-of-doors.”
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is backed by earnings from federal gas and oil development from the Gulf of Mexico. Following congressional appropriation, the funds are apportioned to the states by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior each fiscal year. The project recommendations will be sent to the National Park Service for federal approval.
The Great American Outdoors Act, signed into law in August 2020, established permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. With the change in legislation, Michigan will see more financial stability and increased funding in the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program. These changes resulted in the DNR raising the maximum application request from $300,000 to $500,000 for application cycles.
According to a release, eligible applicants include any unit of government including Native American tribes, school districts, or any combination of units with the legal authority to provide recreation.
Applicants can seek funding for a variety of projects, including the development of and improvements to playgrounds, trails, and walkways, skate parks, boat launches, picnic areas, sports fields, and campgrounds, in addition to improved access for users of all abilities beyond Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.
Application materials and information for LWCF grants will be available early in 2022 at Michigan.gov/LWCFGrants. Applications for the 2022 funding cycle are due April 1.
Questions? Call the DNR Grants Management Section at 517-284-7268 or email DNR[email protected].