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Aug
13
Written by:
news editor
8/13/2010 1:00 AM
ODNR, Division of Parks and Recreation has approved federal and state grants to help develop and improve public access for outdoor recreation facilities in Ohio.
ODNR Approves Grants to Enhance Outdoor Recreation in Ohio
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Parks and Recreation has approved federal and state grants to help develop and improve public access for outdoor recreation facilities in Ohio.
The NatureWorks and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants, which ODNR administers, will fund 88 community-based projects to create and renovate parks and outdoor recreation areas. The grants will support the acquisition of more than 170 acres of green space, the development and improvement of 15 playgrounds, and dozens of other local improvement projects.
ODNR has recommended that $1.62 million in NatureWorks grants and $589,417 in LWCF grants be awarded. For a complete list of grant recipients, visit www.ohiodnr.com.
NatureWorks provides up to 75 percent reimbursement assistance to local government subdivisions (i.e., townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development and rehabilitation of recreational areas. The projects are funded through the Ohio Parks and Natural Resources Bond Issue, which was approved by Ohio voters in November 1993. It authorized the State of Ohio “to issue bonds, which will be retired from general state revenues, to finance capital improvements for state and local parks and recreation areas and to preserve Ohio’s natural areas and habitats.” Additional legislation authorized the creation of the NatureWorks Grant Program.
Similarly, the LWCF provides up to 50 percent reimbursement assistance for state and local government subdivisions (i.e., villages, and cities) for the acquisition, development and rehabilitation of recreational areas. The federal grant program is supported by offshore oil lease revenues and other non-tax sources. Many local parks, trails, pools and other outdoor recreation facilities that Ohioans enjoy today were made possible through the federal program. Since its inception in 1965, more than $150 million has been awarded to projects in Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For further information, contact:
Dameyon Shipley, ODNR Recreation Services
614. 265. 6646
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860
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