Outdoor Recreation Acquisition, Development and Planning

To provide financial assistance to the States and their political subdivisions' projects that are included in Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORPs) and acquisition and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities for the

This program supports communities in creating and improving parks, outdoor recreation areas, and public spaces that everyone can enjoy. The program provides matching grants that help local and state governments build and upgrade places where people play, gather, and connect with nature. These projects can include building new playgrounds, splash pads, trails, sports courts, restrooms, and parking areas, as well as restoring natural areas and modernizing aging facilities to make them safer and more accessible. This program serves the general public, especially families, youth, older adults, and people with disabilities who rely on safe and welcoming outdoor places. It also supports communities that want to expand outdoor opportunities, improve environmental quality, and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Local governments, including State-designated lndian Tribes, and the public.

Land acquisition and development grants may be used for a wide range of outdoor recreation projects, such as picnic areas, inner city parks, campgrounds, tennis courts, boat launching ramps, bike trails, swimming pools, playing fields, and support facilities such as roads, water supply, etc. Facilities must be open to the public and not limited to special groups. Every park or outdoor recreation area acquired or developed with assistance under this program must remain available and accessible for public outdoor recreation use forever. Development of basic rather than elaborate facilities is favored. Operation and maintenance of facilities are not eligible expenses for funding. States are also eligible to apply for grants to revise and update existing SCORPs; prepare new SCORPs; conduct statewide surveys, technical studies, data collection and analysis; and for other planning purposes that are clearly related to SCORP refinement and improvement.

Funds are available for obligation during the fiscal year in which they are appropriated and for the two following fiscal years. The assistance period for individual projects varies and may be extended but on average is three years. Complex projects may be broken down into stages, with one being initially approved and the remainder qualified for activation later. Except for approved pre-award costs, all costs must be incurred within the project period to be eligible for reimbursement. Planning projects may not be phased.

For formula grants, the SLO has the prerogative for initial determination of project eligibility, priority need, and order of fund assistance within the State. All project proposals are submitted to the National Park Service by the SLO. Environmental impact information is required for this program. A screening form is used to determine whether an environmental impact assessment or environmental impact statement is necessary.

Specific evaluation criteria will be included in the funding announcements posted on www.grants.gov. At the Federal level each project must be in accordance with a SCORP. Beyond this, the selection of projects is made by the State Liaison Officer of each State who is responsible for the administration of the program in their State. Each State has its own selection process and project rating system, which is approved by the National Park Service.

Proposals received for funding from a State's apportionment and reapportionment balances are reviewed to establish concurrence that the project satisfies the State's SCORP, reflect the goals of the LWCF Program, and comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and federal financial assistance policies. Proposals received in response to announcements on Grants.gov are reviewed based on a competitive, merit-based review process, and are evaluated according to the criteria outlined in the announcement. Awards are granted to the highest rated proposals, subject to the availability of funds each year. All grants are awarded to the State lead agency, which may then pass the funds through to the project sponsor.

Approximately 60 days from the time the State submits the final application to the NPS. However, the State itself may have processes that add to that time.

Project agreements may be amended to change the scope, funding amount, or duration. Must be approved by the National Park Service.

State may appeal to the Secretary of the Interior.