Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking project proposals from local public outdoor recreation programs that would qualify for federal Land & Water Conservation funding.
Typical facilities eligible for funding include ball fields, campgrounds, golf courses, ice-skating ponds, picnic facilities, tennis courts, playground equipment, and hiking trails. Project applications are due July 1.
“Those planning to sponsor projects will want to begin work on their applications immediately,” said Walt Timmerman, who administers the Land & Water Conservation Fund Program for FWP.
The federal LWCF program, established in 1965, encourages a partnership between national, state and local governments in planning and funding outdoor recreation. Since 1965, Montana has received over $31 million for outdoor recreational projects.
“The U.S. Congress passed the final 2003 appropriation in mid-February, which includes grant assistance. Montana has not received official word from the U.S. Department of Interior on its apportionment, but we anticipate there will be about $450,000 available for local community projects, similar to the 2001 level of funding,” Timmerman said.
Applications for the funding will be reviewed and rated by a selection committee using a standard set of criteria. Those ranking highest will be awarded funding, Timmerman said. Cities, counties, school districts, conservation districts, Indian tribes, and other interested parties will receive a mailing with program details soon.
The maximum grant per project is $75,000, which may provide up to 50 percent of a program’s total cost. A project sponsor must make full payment on all project expenses before being reimbursed for up to 50 percent of the allowed costs. A project sponsor may meet project budgets by using agency work-force accounts, cash, and in some cases, land. Volunteer services and donated materials, although encouraged, cannot be used to match the grant.
Other applications requirements are:
Project sponsors must be a city, county, school district or similar official state entity or sovereign Indian Nation within Montana.
The sponsor must have complete control of the land, preferably by fee title.
The sponsor must have adequate resources to operate and maintain the area after the project is complete. The LWCF program provides no funds for routine operations and maintenance.
The area within the project boundary must be maintained for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity.
Applicants must include the results of a recent outdoor recreation survey that demonstrates support from local citizens.
Timmerman said two separate grant categories have been set. The small grant category is for sponsors requesting less than $25,000 and a large grant category will include sponsors requesting $25,000 or more in funding.
Detailed information is available at
http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/ on the Parks page under Grants, or call the Montana State Parks office at 406-444-3750.
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