What are examples of eligible LWCF projects?
Eligible projects include land acquisition for new parks and facility construction, facility construction or renovation of public parks for outdoor recreation.:
Eligible grant recipients include cities, towns, counties, Native American Tribes and state agencies. Private individuals and organizations, including non-profit and charitable organizations are not eligible for funding assistance. All eligible applicants compete equally for LWCF funds.
What is the total funding available for 2007?
Available funds for the 2007 grant round are approximately $300,000.
What are the maximum and minimum grant award funding levels?
The maximum grant award will be $100,000 (Total project cost $200,000). The minimum grant award will be $50,000 (Total project cost $100,000).
Yes, the LWCF program is a 50-50 matching reimbursement program. Project sponsors do not receive grant funds at the time of funding approval. The sponsor must, in essence, incur 100 percent of the total project cost; submit evidence of eligible expenditures and request reimbursement from DCR.
What is a Letter of Commitment?
The Letter of Commitment is a letter from a willing donor of property/materials that shows the intent to make the donation is real.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is November 2, 2007. Postmarks will be accepted.
Are there any long-term commitments associated with this program?
Yes. Properties acquired, improved or developed with LWCF assistance must be retained in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation. Other commitments include proper maintenance and operation, providing for nondiscrimination, facilitating audits and ensuring the integrity of the 6(f) boundary and posting of a Land & Water Conservation Fund acknowledgment sign at the park.
What does “in perpetuity” mean?
The phrase “in perpetuity” means forever. Parkland and facilities developed with LWCF assistance must remain as public outdoor recreation facilities forever. Grant recipients must place in the deed of the park that the property is protected in perpetuity in accordance with the Land & Water Conservation Act.
The 6(f) boundary is the area defined as being protected by Section 6 (f) (3) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965. Section 6(f) (3) states that the property acquired, developed or improved with LWCF assistance shall not be converted to uses other than public outdoor recreation. The 6(f) (3) boundary ensures that the area defined by the boundary is a viable recreation unit.
How do I know if I am ready to submit an application for competing for LWCF funds?
If the project is in the design phase and is ready to begin within 90- 180 days (six months) of the formal grant award date and you have the matching funds, you are probably ready to apply. However, DCR has observed that during past grant cycles, the planning of your project is of high importance. If citizen involvement has been minimal (including a lack of board meetings, public hearings, public comment periods, surveys, media support, strategic planning, etc.), a recreation plan that includes goals and objectives is non-existent, and inventory and assessment of existing facilities is not complete, then, chances are, you would not be able to complete the project by the deadline if chosen for funding.
I want to use donated land as match – Can it be property already owned by the city, town or county?
No.
Does the local, or state government have to own the land to receive a development grant?
Yes.
The county is proposing to develop an outdoor recreation site on private property. The county would lease the site from the landowner, who is committed to outdoor recreation. Can the county apply for an LWCF grant under these circumstances?
No. The sponsor must own the project site. In rare cases, grants will be awarded to a sponsor that has effective land control in the form of a long-term lease (100 year) from the federal government.
I am developing a park facility that may only be used during certain seasons and/or months of the year for organized activity. If funded through L&WCF, is it permissible to close and lock the facility during the non-use days or months and/or lock it up after the activity is over?
No. LWCF guidelines state that the park facility must be open during reasonable hours for public use every day of the year. Some exceptions include holidays, portions of Sundays, wet field conditions, etc. Even if it is the “off-season” for programming, the facility must remain open and accessible to the general public.
Contact
Synthia Waymack,
Land & Water Conservation Fund Program
Planning and Recreation Resources
Department of Conservation and Recreation
203 Governor Street, Suite 326
Richmond, Virginia 23219-2010
(804) 786-4379
