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July 1 deadline approaches for some IDNR grant applications
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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.
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"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.
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 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] |
