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 National Park Service awarded $820,000 in federal funding to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) for improvements at Snowden Waterfowl Rest Area (WRA). The project, which commenced on October 1, 2025 and will be completed by September 30, 2028, involves facility development and infrastructure enhancements at this state-owned recreational area. This project funding is part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which is financed through offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than general tax appropriations.

The grant will support the development and enhancement of outdoor recreation facilities and amenities at Snowden WRA to benefit the general public. As with typical LWCF-funded projects identified in Arkansas's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, the improvements are designed to expand public access to recreational opportunities and enhance the overall quality of the state's outdoor recreation infrastructure. The three-year project performance period allows for comprehensive facility upgrades and development activities at the waterfowl rest area.

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 arkansas department of parks and tourism will make developments at snowden waterfowl rest area (WRA). This project will benefit the general public.