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 National Park Service awarded $1.0M to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) on August 1, 2025, with a completion deadline of September 30, 2028. This Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program grant provides matching funds for the development and improvement of public parks and outdoor recreation facilities identified in Michigan's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The funding is supported by offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than federal tax appropriations.

Through a subaward structure, the Michigan DNR passed funds to the City of Ann Arbor (subaward issued November 7, 2025) for development projects at Buhr Park. The project will enhance outdoor recreation infrastructure and public access to recreational amenities at the park facility, benefiting the general public through improved park amenities and recreational opportunities. The award requires matching contributions from the local grantee in accordance with LWCF statutory requirements.

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 michigan department of natural resources will make a subaward to the city of ANN arbor for developments at buhr park. This project will benefit the general public.