The land and water conservation fund (LWCF) state and local assistance program provides matching grants to develop parks owned by states and local communities

The Department of the Interior's National Park Service awarded $1.5M to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) on July 10, 2025. Through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which is funded by offshore oil and gas lease revenue, these matching grants support the development of public parks owned by states and local communities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will execute a subaward to the City of College Station to fund developments and improvements at Independence Park, a project designed to provide recreational facilities and outdoor amenities that benefit the general public.

This project, scheduled for completion by July 9, 2028, represents the LWCF program's commitment to enhancing public access to outdoor recreation infrastructure and natural resources at the local level. The three-year performance period allows for comprehensive park development work that aligns with Texas's outdoor recreation priorities and supports community-based recreation access.

Based on its outdoor recreation priorities, the state has selected grant projects to receive LWCF funding. LWCF grants are made pursuant to 54 U.S.C. 2003 and are funded by offshore oil and gas lease revenue, not tax dollars. In this project, the texas parks and wildlife department will make a subaward to the city of college station for developments at independence park. This project will benefit the general public.