WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of the Interior is distributing more than $461 million in grants to states, territories, and the District of Columbia for parks, trails, and outdoor recreation projects, a funding package expected to generate more than $900 million in total investment once required matching contributions are included.
The funding includes more than $327 million in formula grants through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and an additional $134 million in competitive grants administered by the National Park Service.
The investment underscores the federal government’s continued commitment to expanding access to outdoor recreation infrastructure while supporting local economic development through park improvements, conservation projects, and public open spaces.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum credited the permanent funding mechanism established through the Great American Outdoors Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law in 2020.
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped connect generations of Americans to the outdoors and remains one of our nation’s most successful conservation and recreation programs,” Burgum said.
According to the department, the grants will support the development and rehabilitation of parks, conservation areas, trails, athletic facilities, boat launches, playgrounds, and other recreation infrastructure in communities across the country.
Since its creation in 1965, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has supported more than 47,000 projects in nearly every U.S. county. Funding allocations are determined primarily through a population-based formula, with states and territories subsequently awarding funds to local governments for eligible projects.
The department also announced two additional National Park Service funding opportunities totaling up to $134 million.
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program will make up to $125 million available for projects in urban communities with limited access to outdoor recreation. Recent changes authorized under the EXPLORE Act expanded eligibility to federally recognized tribes, Native Hawaiian communities, Alaska Native communities, and additional local jurisdictions.
A separate Readiness and Recreation Initiative will provide up to $9 million for outdoor recreation projects that support military readiness and help preserve landscapes surrounding eligible military installations and designated Sentinel Landscapes.
Interior officials also announced updates to the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s grant administration framework intended to reduce administrative burdens, accelerate reimbursements, and improve project delivery as funding levels remain elevated.
The department said the grants are designed to support locally led conservation and recreation projects while creating jobs, attracting tourism, and expanding public access to outdoor spaces in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
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