Georgia DNR announces $8.4 Million in Outdoor Recreation Grant Funds

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the grant applicants who have been selected to move forward in the approval process to receive approximately $8.4 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program.  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the grant applicants who have been selected to move forward in the approval process to receive approximately $8.4 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program. These funds will be used for the acquisition, development, and renovation of outdoor recreation areas all across the state.  The selected applicants will be invited to submit formal application proposals which will be presented to the National Park Service for final approval. Grantees are required to match the grant award on a dollar for dollar ratio making a $17.8 million total impact on Georgia’s parks and outdoor recreation areas.  “Heading outdoors is a long-held tradition and great pastime for Georgians. Whether you are 3 or 93, the great outdoors provides limitless opportunities for mental and physical wellness, enjoying time with loved ones while safely socially distanced, or just unplugging from our busy lives.” said Mark Williams, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. “LWCF is a great tool for our state and local communities who understand the irreplaceable impact of outdoor recreation.”  LWCF has existed since 1965 with the intent on creating a partnership between the federal, state, and local governments. Grants help support communities to create close to home recreation areas by acquiring and developing park land as well as renovating local parks and outdoor recreation areas.  Georgia DNR conducts biannual grant application cycles for the LWCF grants. While maneuvering through a health crisis and realizing the importance of outdoor recreation, cities and counties all over the state submitted 76 proposals requesting $19.2 million. Of the seventy-six, 27 were selected.