Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) » Eligible Applicants and Projects
Click the links below to view information about eligibility.
Eligible applicants
Local governments in North Carolina including counties and incorporated municipalities, as well as public authorities and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian Tribe, are eligible for funding. Also, state agencies responsible for the provision of outdoor recreation opportunities are eligible.
Eligible projects
Local government and state agencies can apply for land acquisition and/or development projects at a single site. Property can be acquired for public outdoor recreation or to protect outstanding natural or scenic resources. Development projects can include new or renovated outdoor recreational facilities and support facilities.
All applications must be in accord with the priorities listed in the state's SCORP action plan. To make the connection between the SCORP and project proposals, the state has an Open Project Selection Process (OPSP) that contains a set of project ranking selection criteria and a timetable for funding availability and application deadlines.
Property Control
The applicant must own the property where the project will be located when the application is submitted, unless the proposed project involves land acquisition.
Property Use
Property acquired or developed with LWCF assistance must be dedicated in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation use.
Utility Lines
All utility lines located within the proposed park boundaries must be placed underground, including any wiring present at the start of the project.
Sign
A permanent sign acknowledging receipt of LWCF assistance must be in place at the park site before the grant can be completed. The sign must remain at the park site in perpetuity.
Accessibility for Persons With a Disability
All facilities funded by LWCF must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
Project Agreement
Upon approval by the National Park Service, a written grant agreement will be signed between each grant recipient and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The agreement states the responsibilities and obligations both during the project period and after project completion that the grant recipient must assume.
When to Begin
A grant recipient must wait to begin an LWCF project until after the project has been approved by the National Park Service and a project agreement has been signed. Any costs, such as acquiring property or beginning construction, incurred prior to signing the agreement cannot be funded by the LWCF project.
Deadline For Completing an LWCF Grant
A grant recipient has three years (two years for acquisition only projects) to complete a project after the signing the grant agreement.
N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation • 1615 MSC • Raleigh N.C. 27699-1615 (919) 733-4181