FWP To Share Federal Funds For Local Parks And Recreation Projects

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For the first time since 1995 about $360,000 from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund is available to Montana for parks and recreation projects. "We are pleased that Congress has funded this program this year, and we are also hoping to see Congress pass the Conservation and Reinvestment Act," said Doug Monger, Fish, Wildlife & Parks division chief. "CARA would permanently fund LWCF and bring as much as $4 million into Montana annually to restore parks and develop local recreational facilities." The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal program providing cost share money to communities for outdoor recreation projects. The fund is administered for Montana by FWP. This year, Montana will receive about $360,000 to be split among projects in communities and at state parks. The 50-50 cost share program was first authorized in 1965. Between 1966 and 1995 about $30 million in federal funds has been invested in Montana’s state and local parks programs in communities from Wibaux to Libby. CARA, or H.R. 701, would fund LWCF on a permanent basis for state and local projects. Montana, which struggles annually to meet growing city and county recreational needs, could see an infusion of at least $4 million to fund state and local parks and recreation projects. In addition, $5.8 million would be made available to help conserve many of the state’s dwindling wildlife species and habitats; and about $400,000 would be available annually for conservation easements and for landowner incentives to aid in the recovery of endangered species. HR 701 would not raise any new taxes but would annually reinvest federal offshore oil and gas revenue back into parks, recreation and natural resources conservation programs. The deadline for local governments to apply for LWCF funds is May 31. Information and applications are available from FWP by calling 406-444-3750.