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 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service awarded $16.8 million under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) to the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, effective January 1, 2026, with a completion date of December 31, 2028. This project grant, funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program using offshore oil and gas lease revenues, supports park development and infrastructure improvements at La Alma-Lincoln Park in Denver. The Colorado Department of Natural Resources will serve as the pass-through entity, making a subaward to the Denver Parks and Recreation Department to execute the development project, which will enhance outdoor recreation facilities and amenities for public benefit.

The funding is designated for acquisition and development activities that advance outdoor recreation objectives at publicly owned parks and recreation areas in accordance with Colorado's approved Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. This project aligns with the LWCF program's mission to provide matching grants for park development owned by states and local communities, with the subaward structure enabling the Denver Parks and Recreation Department to implement direct improvements and enhancements at the designated park facility during the three-year performance period.

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 colorado department of natural resources will make a subaward to the denver parks and recreation for developments at LA alma-lincoln park. This project will benefit the general public.