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 $2,126,093.52 to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks on September 9, 2025, under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916), commonly known as the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program. This matching grant program, funded through offshore oil and gas lease revenues, supports the development of parks owned by states and local communities to advance outdoor recreation objectives. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks serves as the pass-through entity administering the award with a completion date of March 31, 2028.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks is making a subaward to the City of Whitefish for comprehensive improvements to Armory Park. The project deliverables include construction of a new ADA-compliant restroom facility, two new storage buildings, an expanded parking lot, walking paths, sports field redevelopment, and installation of furnishings, utilities, and landscaping. These improvements are designed to enhance public outdoor recreation access and amenities for the general public within Whitefish's 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 montana department of fish, wildlife and parks will make a subaward to the city of whitefish for developments at armory park. This project will benefit the general public.