Other Grant Opportunities
The Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership Program
Introduction
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is pleased to announce this funding opportunity through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program. This initiative can provide up to 50% matching for eligible projects (minimum award – $300,000, maximum award – $10,000,000) that target the improvement of recreational opportunities within underserved communities.
Background & Purpose
Created in 2014 by the National Park Service (NPS), the ORLP Program is a nationally competitive grant program wherein states (in partnership with municipalities and federally recognized Indian tribes) can submit proposals for land acquisitions or improvements that will provide or significantly improve recreational opportunities in economically disadvantaged communities. This initiative is consistent with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and the LWCF Manual.
In Perpetuity Requirement
As a condition of this grant funding, the NPS requires that language be recorded against the deed of the assisted park/recreation property advising that the property was acquired and/or developed with Federal funds from the LWCF and that the property must be preserved for outdoor recreation uses in perpetuity and cannot be converted to any use other than public outdoor recreation use without the written approval of the Secretary of the Interior. Before seeking a LWCF grant, project sponsors should carefully consider their ability and willingness to comply with this provision of the law.
