PRESS RELEASE: June 17, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP SELECTS SEVEN PROJECTS TO RECEIVE 

PARKS AND RECREATIONAL GRANTS

~Funding will improve local recreational opportunities~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has selected seven projects to receive federal funding, totaling $1.2 million, to improve recreational opportunities in five counties.  

The department’s Land and Recreation Grants Section administers the Land and Water Conservation Fund on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service. DEP solicits requests for proposals, evaluates the submissions and then ranks them. Eligible participants include all local governmental entities with the legal responsibility for providing outdoor recreational sites and facilities for the public’s use and benefit.

“Utilizing matching grant programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund helps local governments provide outdoor recreational opportunities to their residents and invest in their communities,” said Bryan Bradner, acting director for DEP’s Office of Operations. “We are delighted that seven projects were funded and we look forward to seeing residents enjoy these recreational improvements.”

Projects to receive funding include:

·         Barefoot Bay Recreation District, Beach Access, Brevard, $200,000

·         City of Crystal River, Hunter’s Springs Park Acquisition, Citrus, $175,000

·         City of Fellsmere, Trailhead Preserve, Indian River, $200,000

·         City of North Palm Beach, Anchorage Park, Palm Beach, $200,000

·         Palm Beach County, Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area, Palm Beach, $200,000

·         Village of Wellington, Community Center Complex, Palm Beach, $200,000

·         City of West Park, Water Tower Park, Miami-Dade, $25,000

The Land and Water Conservation Fund, offered through the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service, is a federal competitive grant program that provides matching funds to help local communities protect parks and develop recreational resources. The matching ratio is one applicant dollar to one federal dollar for all grant awards. The fund has benefitted nearly every county in the United States.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. To view the department’s website, visit www.dep.state.fl.us.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/10a1171