NRPA Applauds the Introduction of the Permanent Funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund

(March 11, 2020)

Urges Congress to Pass the Bill

Ashburn, Va. (March 11, 2020) — The U.S. Senate has introduced the Great American Outdoors Act, which includes permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a program the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is proud to support. Under this bill, the LWCF will receive $900 million annually. Since the program was signed into law in 1965, 42,000 projects have been funded through the LWCF.

"The Great American Outdoors Act will provide needed resources to local communities for conservation, parks and recreation," said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. "This legislation is a significant win for our more than 60,000 members and advocates, who work tirelessly to enhance public spaces in urban and rural communities throughout the country."

"NRPA has long supported and championed LWCF state grants, which have been the victim of inconsistent and underfunded budgets for years. We urge the House and Senate to pass this bill to ensure that the LWCF becomes fully funded and therefore can effectively serve communities through parks, outdoor recreation, conservation, and health and wellness," said Stratton.

The LWCF is funded through offshore oil and gas revenues. The program was permanently authorized last year, and the Great American Outdoors Act will ensure that $900 million will be dedicated annually to the LWCF.

About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and supporters — the catalysts for positive change in service of parks for all, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.