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 the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) a Project Grant of $1,343,744.10 under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) on August 31, 2025. Through this award, DCNR will serve as the primary recipient and make a subaward to the City of Scranton to fund developments and improvements at Weston Field. This funding supports the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, which is financed through offshore oil and gas lease revenues and provides matching grants to support park acquisition and facility development projects identified in state outdoor recreation plans. The project is scheduled for completion by September 1, 2028, with performance activities occurring in Reading, Pennsylvania.

The products and services delivered through this subaward will include park development infrastructure and amenities at Weston Field that enhance public outdoor recreation access and opportunities for the Scranton community. As a LWCF-funded project, the developments must serve the general public and align with Pennsylvania's Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan priorities. Common deliverables under similar LWCF awards include facility improvements, playground renovations, athletic field construction, pathway development, and other infrastructure enhancements that expand recreational opportunities in the municipality.

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 pennsylvania dept. Of conservation and natural resources will make a subaward to the city of scranton for developments at weston field. This project will benefit the general public.