The National Park Service's Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) awarded $2.19 million to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs on October 1, 2025, to support outdoor recreation facility development through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program. Under this award, EOEA will make a subaward to the City of Newport to fund park improvements and facility developments at Bartlet Mall, with an ultimate project completion date of December 31, 2028.
The project is designed to enhance public outdoor recreation opportunities and access to community parks in the Newport area. LWCF funding for this project is derived from offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than federal tax dollars. The award supports the state's established outdoor recreation priorities and will benefit the general public through improved park facilities and recreational amenities available at the local level.