CNMI to get $75,044 for parks and outdoor recreation

WASHINGTON—A total of $75,044 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is funded through offshore oil and gas leasing, will be given to the Northern Mariana Islands for outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

This was part of $94.3 million distributed across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Guam will get $75,130, American Samoa $75,045, Puerto Rico $1,308,821, and the U.S. Virgin Islands$75,087.

These funds are awarded through federal matching grants that leverage public and private investment in America’s state and local public parks.

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund state grant program has been a resounding success that makes physical investments in our communities,” said Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Friday. “From Detroit, Michigan, to Saipan…the program benefits citizens across the nation by helping state and local governments make infrastructure investments in urban, suburban, and rural parks. By advancing the [Trump] administration’s offshore energy goals, we will be able to generate more revenue for the fund to improve conservation and recreation opportunities for generations to come.”

The Land and Water Conservation Fund was established by Congress in 1965 to ensure access to outdoor recreation resources for present and future generations.

The funds enable state and local governments to improve existing parks and other recreation areas in their communities through rehabilitation and upgrade projects.

These funds are also used to create new parks in places that have none and to develop and expand trail systems that link communities and add recreation opportunities. 

“As leading providers of parks and natural areas for outdoor recreation, counties welcome the Department of the Interior’s investments in local communities through the Land and Water Conservation Fund,” said National Association of Counties executive director Matthew Chase. “These matching grants help counties maintain open spaces that contribute to vibrant communities across the country.”

“Having access to a local park is part of what makes a city a great place to live, work and play,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities. “The Land and Water Conservation Fund plays an invaluable role in helping cities create and improve parks, open space and outdoor recreation opportunities. The fund also protects our wetlands, refuges and wildlife habitats and helps cities build stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.”

Since the inception of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, more than $4.1 billion has been made available to state and local governments to fund more than 42,000 projects throughout the nation. 

The allocation for the State and Local Assistance grant (stateside) program is determined based on a formula set in the LWCF Act and the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/lwcf. (PR)