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 North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation received a $2,000,000 Project Grant from the Department of the Interior National Park Service under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) effective August 1, 2025, with a completion date of December 30, 2029. Under this Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program award, ND Parks and Recreation will serve as the primary recipient and subaward funds to the Turtle Mountain Housing Authority for park development and infrastructure improvements at Turtle Mountain Housing Authority Parks located in Willow City, North Dakota.

The funded projects will enhance outdoor recreation facilities and amenities that serve the general public, consistent with LWCF program requirements that supported projects be identified in North Dakota's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The LWCF program, which is funded through offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than federal tax appropriations, supports outdoor recreation objectives through facility development and infrastructure improvements at publicly owned parks and recreation areas. These improvements will expand recreational access and opportunities for the communities served by the Turtle Mountain Housing Authority Parks.

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 north dakota department of parks and recreation will make a subaward to the turtle mountain housing authority for developments at turtle mountain housing authority parks. This project will benefit the general public.