NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — The Department of the Interior has announced a new funding opportunity for community parks across the United States. The opportunity features $450 million in funding, which will be used to create new parks and trails or renovate existing parks through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program.   In September, the department announced $254 million in grants for 54 projects in 24 states, the largest grant investment ever from the ORLP program. In North Dakota, $4.49 million was distributed between the Turtle Mountain Family Recreation Areas and the Downtown Gateway and Greenway. “Families and children across the country today have modern and accessible local parks thanks to investments from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Everyone – regardless of background or zip code – should have access to the benefits that nature provides, and this program has made that vision a reality for communities in every corner of the nation.”  Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz is currently visiting three ORLP-funded park projects in Miami, which will feature a new playground, amphitheater, and pool, among other amenities.   Gov. Burgum and Lt. Gov. Miller receive resolutions for water development “Over the last four years, the Interior Department has moved quickly to invest in the creation of local parks and the renovation of green spaces. Thanks to funding from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, more Americans today have spaces created by, and for, their communities where they can safely recreate,” said Assistant Secretary Estenoz. “I am thrilled that the Department will continue to bring more of these projects to fruition long into the future.”  The ORLP program was established in 2014 to aid disadvantaged, urban communities that don't have access to outdoor recreation in the area. The program provides grants for community sponsored park projects where the population is greater than 30,000 residents. The grants can match up to 50% of total project costs. The program advances President Biden’s America the Beautiful Initiative, which is focused on addressing the nature and climate crises, as well as improving access to the outdoors. It also helps advance the administration's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to have 40 percent of the benefits of federal funding flow to disadvantaged communities. To learn more about the ORLP grants program, go to the National Park Service website. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Promotional Emails about KXNet SIGN UP NOW