The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation announced today the 2008 grant cycle for the Local Parks and Recreation Fund and Recreational Trails Program, with approximately $13.1 million in grant money available to be distributed to various local governments and other eligible organizations. 

Anticipated available funding for the Local Parks and Recreation Fund for acquisition and development is approximately $10.5 million, and $2.6 million has been set aside for the Recreational Trails Program.  These amounts may change pending state and federal legislation.  Applications are due no later than March 7, 2008, and an overview of the grant guidelines includes: 

Local Parks and Recreation Fund Grants provide state funding for the purchase of land for parks, natural areas, greenways, and the purchase of land for recreational facilities.   Funds also may be used for trail development and capital projects in parks, natural areas and greenways.

-         Eligibility:  Each county government and incorporated municipality is allowed to submit one grant application per cycle.  Cities and counties may apply jointly for one project in addition to applying for one city or county project, but a government that currently has an open project in this category of programs is not eligible to re-apply until the open project is completed.

-         Grant Awards:  LPRF grants require a 50 percent match, with a maximum possible award of $500,000.  By statute, at least 60 percent of the funds allocated for these grants will be awarded to municipal governments.

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