The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition said it supports the federal government’s $192 million in new grants under the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program.
ORLP uses LWCF funding to target parks, trails and open spaces investments in underserved communities. The LWCF also hailed House committee passage of the Outdoors for All Act.
“LWCF grants to municipalities provide an enormous return on investment, bringing vital health and economic benefits into communities,” said Lesley Kane Szynal, LWCF Coalition co-chair. “We are thrilled to see the administration provide increased flexibility to make this program even more inclusive, with smaller communities and larger projects now able to apply.”
ORLP acquisition and development grants support projects in cities that reinvigorate urban parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. Priority is given to projects located economically disadvantaged areas and those lacking outdoor recreation resources.
LCWF thanked U.S. Reps. Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.) and Michael Turner (R-Ohio) and the House Natural Resources Committee for passing the Outdoors for All Act.
“The Outdoors for All Act is important legislation that will help more Americans from more communities enjoy the outdoors because it prioritizes equitable outdoor access in underserved communities by codifying the LWCF-funded ORLP Program,” said Kane Szynal. “We are grateful for the bipartisan support to create outdoor spaces for those who need them most and for the inclusion of language that lowers the population threshold and allows Native American Tribes, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian communities to apply directly for this critical funding.”
