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Governor Pritzker announces $28.9 million in grants for 89 local park projects throughout Illinois

Sand Ridge, Shabbona Woods, and Green Lake included among recipients

information provided by the Office of the Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (February 7, 2019) – Governor JB Pritzker announced this week that $28.9 million in grants will be provided for 89 local projects that will help communities acquire open space and develop and improve recreational facilities throughout Illinois.

Cook County Forest Preserve District was among the recipients. They will receive $673,900 to be used for Creating Nature Based Education/Recreation Campus in Sand Ridge, Shabbona Woods, and Green Lake.

“Investments in Illinois’ local parks makes it easier for families and recreation enthusiasts to enjoy our state’s beauty and help their communities thrive,” Governor Pritzker said. “Parks projects will also create jobs, providing a boost to local economic development efforts in dozens of communities and spurring additional investment throughout the state.”

The grants are through the state’s Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The program will provide more than $28 million to support 87 projects, while two projects will be funded through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The grant programs can provide up to one-half of a project’s funds, and when combined with the investment of local matching funds will support more than $56 million in local park development projects and land acquisitions statewide.

The OSLAD program began in 1987 and has invested $419.4 million in 1,765 local park projects. The program receives dedicated funding from a percentage of the state’s Real Estate Transfer Tax.

The Lansing Journal
The Lansing Journalhttps://thelansingjournal.com
The Lansing Journal publishes news releases from state, county, and local officials who provide information that impacts local community life. The particular contributor of each post is indicated in the byline.