Governor Pritzker Recommends More Than $3 Million in Grants for Illinois Recreation Projects
                                                                                         Federal Grants Will Support Park Land Acquisition, Improved Trails

Governor JB Pritzker today recommended to two federal agencies more than $3 million in federal grants for projects to help communities acquire open space for development of outdoor recreational facilities and meet the growing demand for improved trails. The grants, supported through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP), are awarded by the National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration respectively.

The City of Kankakee Riverwalk West Project is one of several recreational improvement projects recognized.  The Riverwalk initiative will get $96, 000 of the $3-million allotment.

“These local projects will allow families to enjoy the outdoors through new recreation and trail options in the communities supporting these projects,” Governor Pritzker said. “These projects also create jobs and boost local economic development efforts, helping local communities thrive.”

Nine local community recreational projects were recommended by Gov. Pritzker to the National Park Service with funds administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The matching grant program, when combined with the investment of local funds, will support more than $7.7 million in local park land acquisitions in Illinois.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 was enacted to help preserve, develop, and ensure access to outdoor recreation facilities to strengthen the health of U.S. citizens. The law created the Land and Water Conservation Fund to implement its outdoor recreation goals. The LWCF program began in Illinois in 1966 and has invested $290.7 million in 751 local park projects over the years. The program receives its revenue from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

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