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 awarded $2.92 million to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation under the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning program (CFDA 15.916) on October 1, 2025, for park development improvements at Evangola State Park. The project, which will be completed by September 30, 2028, involves infrastructure and facility enhancements designed to expand outdoor recreation opportunities and improve public access to the park. This funding is sourced from offshore oil and gas lease revenues through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance Program, rather than federal tax dollars, and requires state matching contributions consistent with LWCF statutory requirements.

The project will deliver tangible recreational and infrastructure benefits to the general public through enhanced amenities and facilities at the state park location. As the primary awardee, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will manage project implementation to advance the state's outdoor recreation priorities as outlined in its approved Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The improvements at Evangola State Park support the LWCF program's core objective of advancing outdoor recreation objectives through facility development and infrastructure improvements at publicly owned parks and recreation areas.

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 new york state office of parks, recreation hist. Preservation will make developments at evangola state park. This project will benefit the general public.