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 $3,030,890.40 under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks on August 8, 2025, with a completion date of August 7, 2028. This Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program grant provides matching funds for outdoor recreation development projects identified in Montana's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The funding is derived from offshore oil and gas lease revenues rather than federal tax appropriations.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks serves as the primary recipient and subawards funding to the City of Chinook for improvements at Ensign Sweet Memorial Park. The sub-grantee will execute facility upgrades including renovation of the municipal pool, pool house, and mechanical building, along with park amenities such as landscaping and playground equipment. These improvements will enhance public recreational access and outdoor recreation opportunities for the general public in Chinook, Montana.

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 montana department of fish, wildlife and parks will make a subaward to the city of chinook for developments at ensign sweet memorial park. This project will benefit the general public.