The LWCF provides federal grant funds to protect important natural areas, acquire land for outdoor recreation and to develop or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, sports & playfields, swimming facilities, boating facilities, fishing facilities, trails, natural areas and passive parks.
Who Can Apply: Cities, counties, state and federal agencies are eligible to apply for funding. The minimum amount is $25,000. The maximum grant amount is $250,000. It is a matching reimbursement program.
Application Process: The 2023 LWCF Application is now available to download. To apply, submit an application between January 15 – May 31, 2024.
Additional Requirements
- You must submit to the
State Clearinghouse for the Intergovernmental Review Process or request an update on previous comments to be eligible for funding.
- All recreational facilities that have received LWCF assistance must stay outdoor recreational for perpetuity.
- The land must be owned or be able to obtain a long term lease from a Public Agency. The Public Agency will have to agree in writing to keeping the land recreational in perpetuity if the lease expires.
Land Appraisals
Acquisition of land may be accomplished through purchase, transfer, gift or other means. All acquisitions must conform to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquistiion Policies Act of 1970. Please see KYTC Pre-qualified Appraisers (doc link) list for an appraiser in your area.
All Land Appraisals must adhere to the Appraisal Requirements for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Kentucky Appraisal Requirements (doc link)
Deed Restriction Requirement
All sponsors who receive a LWCF grant must file a separate deed restriction prior to receiving reimbursement.
LWCF Advisory Board Meeting Announcement
The next Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Advisory Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. During this meeting, board members will review 2024 LWCF applications and make funding recommendations. The meeting is open to the public.
WHAT: Land and Water Conservation Fund Advisory Board Meeting
WHEN: December 3, 2024,
WHERE: 100 Airport Rd. Frankfort, KY 40601. 3rd Floor.
The LWCF is funded by the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service and administered by the Department for Local Government. Funding can be used for the acquisition of property and the development and/or renovation of public outdoor recreational facilities in the state of Kentucky. Outdoor recreational facilities include campgrounds, picnic areas, sports & playfields, swimming facilities, trails, passive parks, etc.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
Kara Campbell.
Please submit all applications to
the Office of Federal Grants.
Additional Links