FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2016

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

DEP'S $7 MILLION INVESTMENT WILL HELP LAUNCH LOCAL RECREATIONAL PROJECTS

~Grant program facilitates opportunities for the public to enjoy Florida’s outdoors~

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park Manager Bill Gruber presents a $100,000 FRDAP check to
Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez and city commissioners.

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is awarding more than $7 million in grants for more than 130 recreational development projects through its Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP). This competitive grant program provides state funding for local governments to acquire or develop land for outdoor recreational use. Renovating sports facilities, developing picnic areas and constructing park trails are among the range of the 2016 FRDAP-supported projects.

“The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program exemplifies the department’s commitment to the value of partnerships with local communities,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “We are proud to assist in launching projects that emphasize community efforts to care for the environment and create more opportunities for citizens to enjoy Florida’s natural landscape.”

Throughout August and September, the department is presenting ceremonial checks to municipalities and counties across the state. See a complete list of the 2016 grant recipients.

Since 2013, the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program has awarded more than $16 million for more than 300 projects. Eligible applicants include all municipal and county governments and other authorized entities with the legal responsibility to provide outdoor recreation.

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.

Visit the department’s website at www.dep.state.fl.us.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/14f4d17