The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program provides up to 50% reimbursement assistance for state and local government subdivisions (townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts, and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas.

Funding is issued to the state and it is at the state's discretion how much of that funding will be made available for local government. Since the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant program became effective, the State of Ohio has received over $165 million. Over half of this funding has been used for local parks projects. Ohio offers a local grant program on an annual schedule.

To be eligible for federal LWCF grant assistance, Ohio prepares and updates the Ohio Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Ohio reviews LWCF grant applications and submits recommended projects to the National Park Service for final approval. All recommended projects must be in accord with Ohio's SCORP priorities.

Specifications

• All local subdivisions of government are eligible.
• These grants provide up to 50 percent reimbursement for outdoor recreation projects.
• Federal money is administered by the state in cooperation with the National Park Service. Get more details on this fund from the National Park Service.
• The applicant must own the property being developed or rehabilitated. Unless leased from the federal government or another political subdivision for a 25 year term (not revocable at will), leased property is ineligible.