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 Louisiana State Parks & Recreation Commission received a $300,000 Project Grant from the National Park Service (Department of the Interior) under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916), effective October 1, 2025 through October 31, 2027. The Commission will develop planning documents required to support the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which provides matching grants to states and local communities for outdoor recreation facility development. This funding, derived from offshore oil and gas lease revenues, will enable the state to prepare necessary planning materials that facilitate future LWCF-funded projects to enhance public outdoor recreation opportunities across Louisiana.

As the prime awardee, the Louisiana State Parks & Recreation Commission typically sub-grants LWCF funds to local entities such as parish governments, city administrations, and recreation districts to implement specific park and recreational facility improvements. The planning documents developed through this award will support the identification and advancement of outdoor recreation projects included in Louisiana's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, ensuring coordinated development of recreational amenities that serve diverse communities throughout the state.

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 louisiana state parks recreation commission will develop planning documents required for the lwcf program to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for the general public.