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 (Department of the Interior) awarded Arizona State Parks & Trails a $1.95 million Project Grant under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) effective September 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 1, 2027. This award, funded through Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) revenues derived from offshore oil and gas lease proceeds, supports the development and improvement of outdoor recreation facilities at publicly owned parks and recreation areas identified in Arizona's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

The funded project consists of developments at Whiteriver Skatepark in Whiteriver, Arizona. Arizona State Parks & Trails will serve as the primary recipient and pass funds to the White Mountain Apache Tribe through a subaward mechanism for direct project implementation. The project will enhance public recreational facilities and amenities, serving the general public through improved outdoor recreation infrastructure and expanded access to recreational opportunities within the community.

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 arizona department of parks will make a subaward to the white mountain apache tribe for developments at whiteriver skatepark. This project will benefit the general public.