Other News...

 

Wednesday, June 29

\

July 1 deadline approaches for some IDNR grant applications          Send a link to a friend

Grants improve quality of life in communities

[JUNE 29, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- July 1 is the deadline to apply for two grants that promote preserving open spaces in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

"Open spaces are linked to quality of life in our state," said Joel Brunsvold, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "These programs make Illinois more attractive to residents, as well as to businesses that may consider locating in our state."

The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program is a state-financed grant program that provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition or development of land for public parks and open space. The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program is a similar program with similar objectives. Both are managed in Illinois by the Department of Natural Resources with concurrent application due dates, equal grant maximums and similar general rules.

Under both programs, funding assistance up to 50 percent of approved project costs can be obtained. Grant awards up to $750,000 are available for acquisition projects, while development or renovation projects are limited to a $400,000 grant maximum.

[to top of second column in this article]

Projects vary from small neighborhood parks or "tot lots" to large community and county parks and nature areas. The state program is financed by a percentage of the state's real estate transfer tax. The federal program is financed nationally by revenue from offshore leases. Funds can be used to acquire land for new park sites or park expansion, water frontage, nature study, and natural resource preservation. Funding can also pay for development or renovation of picnic and playground facilities, sports courts, campgrounds and fishing piers, swimming pools, beaches and bathhouses, park roads and paths, and even architectural and engineering services to develop parks.

Complete applications are available online at: http://dnr.state.il.us/ocd/newoslad1.htm.

Only one copy of the application, containing original signatures, is required for submittal. Applications received after the July 1 deadline will be returned as ineligible.

[Illinois Department of Natural Resources news release]


< Top Stories index

Back to top


 

News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries

Community | Perspectives | Law & Courts | Leisure Time | Spiritual Life | Health & Fitness | Teen Scene
Calendar | Letters to the Editor