In early August, President Trump’s signature on the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) marked a significant funding milestone in U.S. conservation.
The legislation permanently funds the $900 million Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF is vital in sourcing federal financing for the development and creation of local parks, trails, boat launches, sports fields, and other recreation environments. In the past, LWCF funds have been diverted for other uses; the GAOA prevents money from being used for non-conservation projects.
Additionally, it will also set aside up to $9.5 billion to address deferred maintenance projects on public lands over the next five years, with 70 percent going to the National Park Service, 15 percent going to the U.S. Forest Service, and 5 percent each going to the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Does your community have funding needs for park, trail or other recreational projects? Thanks to the GAOA, opportunities are now greater than ever.
Our Design and Planning Group can help. We’re ready to answer your questions about Great American Outdoors Act funding and how the LWCF can help your community planning efforts. Reach out to Gary Warner at (919) 535-5238 or gwarner@withersravenel.com.