WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to upgrade parks, preserve open spaces, and create public outdoor recreation opportunities for more Rhode Islanders, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that Rhode Island will receive $432,696 in federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants.  This federal funding will be matched by the state and may be used for acquisition, new construction, and renovation of recreational sites.

“Land and Water Conservation Funds help communities across the state develop new outdoor recreational facilities and boost locally-driven conservation efforts.  These funds will provide more opportunities for Rhode Islanders to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of our state,” said Senator Reed, who, as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior & Environment included LWCF funds in the 2014 Consolidated Appropriations Act.  “Ensuring the public has free access to first-class recreational facilities has important economic, health, and quality of life benefits for all Rhode Islanders.”

“This federal funding will allow towns throughout Rhode Island to preserve our state's natural beauty and make much needed renovations to public community parks,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, member of the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW).

“We have a responsibility to preserve and care for our environment for present and future generations,” said Congressman Langevin, who has been a consistent champion of increased LWCF funding in the House.  “In Rhode Island, we are fortunate to have abundant natural resources and open spaces that add to our quality of life and benefit our economy.  I look forward to continuing to support this funding, which has bolstered these conservation efforts.”

“Public lands, parks and wilderness are national treasures which warrant our steadfast protection; and it is Congress’ responsibility, through support of programs like LWCF, to ensure this work is achieved,” said Congressman Cicilline.  “There are some in Congress who fail to recognize the important health and quality of life benefits gained through free and easy access to parks, open lands, and wilderness.  I am proud of the example Rhode Island sets in defending programs like LWCF and preserving our beautiful natural landscape.” 

The National Park Service administers the Land and Water Conservation Fund state grant program.  The primary source of revenue for the LWCF is from federal offshore oil and gas lease revenues. 

At the state level, the LWCF program is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM).   The state awards the federal funds through a competitive process, which will start in the fall.  DEM will be accepting applications from local communities as part of a competitive process, and the state will look at the application and the state's needs for projects before dispersing the funds. 

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