Land and Water Conservation Fund 2021 Request for Applications

By EMNRD 

The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD), State Parks Division seeks proposals from entities interested in applying to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program. The National Park Service created the LWCF, a competitive grant program administered under the authority of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.

The purpose of this grant program is to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility to outdoor recreation resources and to strengthen the health and vitality of U.S. citizens. The program provides matching grants to States and through States to political subdivisions of the State and other appropriate public agencies, including recognized Indian tribes, for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities.

The current Request for Proposals makes available up to $1.5 million for projects within the state.  There are two separate grant categories so that small communities with fewer grant-writing resources do not have to compete directly with the larger metropolitan areas. The Small Grant category comprises sponsors requesting $24,999 or less per grant application. The Large Grant category includes sponsors requesting $25,000 or more per grant application with a maximum request of $250,000 ($500,000 total project cost).  These grants have a match requirement of at least 1:1 and project sponsors must possess sufficient legal title and control of the property to ensure that it can be managed and maintained for outdoor recreation in perpetuity.  The project must involve publicly owned land.

For details regarding the LWCF and how to submit a proposal, see the LWCF application packet athttp://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/Landandwater.html.  Interested parties must also contact Robert Blankenship, LWCF Program Coordinator, at 505-570-7942 orrobertf.blankenship@state.nm.us to discuss proposal requirements.  Proposals will not be accepted for submission without prior consultation with the Program Coordinator.

Offerors shall submit one electronic copy (by email or link) of the proposal at the email address above no later than 5 p.m. MST, October 1, 2021.  EMNRD shall not accept proposals received after this date and shall make absolutely no exceptions for proposals not received by the appointed time.