The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation announced the opening of grant rounds for significant funding opportunities aimed at enhancing the state’s parks and outdoor recreation facilities.
The funding comes through two key programs under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): the federal LWCF Stateside Assistance Program and the National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP).
The LWCF Stateside Assistance Program is set to distribute at least $12 million to support the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of park areas across Virginia. This program operates on a 50-50% matching reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to cover the full project costs upfront and seek periodic reimbursements.
In a parallel effort, the ORLP, a competitive national program, has approximately $224 million available. This initiative specifically targets outdoor recreation projects in underserved urban areas, aiming to increase access to natural spaces for communities that lack it. Like the LWCF, ORLP grants also require a 50-50% matching reimbursement from recipients.
Eligibility for these grants extends to a broad range of applicants, including state agencies, cities, counties, park authorities, and federally or state-recognized Indian tribes. This inclusive approach ensures a wide variety of projects can receive support, from large-scale park rehabilitations to the development of new outdoor recreation areas.
To assist potential applicants, the Department of Conservation and Recreation is hosting a virtual informational session and application workshop on Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. This session aims to guide applicants through the process, ensuring they have all the necessary information to submit a successful application.
The LWCF grants require a minimum award of $250,000, necessitating a project cost of at least $500,000. There is no maximum grant amount, allowing for substantial projects to be considered. Application materials and additional resources are available online, with a deadline for submission set for April 18 at 4 p.m.
For the ORLP, the focus is on projects within incorporated cities or towns in Virginia with a population of at least 30,000, as per the 2020 census. This includes several cities and towns identified as eligible locations. Projects must serve disadvantaged communities, enhancing access to outdoor recreation in areas identified by the federal Climate and Environmental Justice Screening Tool.
The minimum grant award for ORLP projects is $300,000, with a total project cost minimum of $600,000. The maximum grant award is set at $15 million, highlighting the program’s capacity to support significant outdoor recreation initiatives. Pre-application materials and instructions are available online, with a deadline for submissions on April 4 at 4 p.m.
These funding opportunities come at a crucial time for Virginia’s outdoor recreation industry, which has seen increased demand for accessible and high-quality outdoor spaces. By supporting the development and rehabilitation of parks and recreation areas, these grants aim to enhance the quality of life for Virginia residents, promote environmental stewardship, and boost local economies through tourism and recreation-related activities.