June 2009

Department of Interior Secretary, Ken Salazar, authorized the FY 2009 Regular Apportionment to the States for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) annual funding. New Hampshire's apportionment for the current year totals $191,573.00. After reductions for indirect costs (6.03%) and audit set-aside (.01%) fees, New Hampshire will obligate 60% of the LWCF apportionment to Grant Round 24 funding and 40% will be allocated for The Division of Parks and Recreation state park projects.

New this year is a supplemental apportionment of $82,535.00 pursuant to the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). States are expecting additional guidance on how these funds may be expended once the regular LWCF apportionment has been obligated.

The 111th Congress currently in session is favorably disposed to considering full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. While the economic stresses of the federal and global financial systems may limit the ability to significantly increase the annual apportionment for state-side LWCF in the next few years, the long-term outlook is optimistic.

Recreation is viewed as a substantial resource for reducing childhood obesity and improving the health of American citizens overall. Increased support for outdoor recreation will sustain not only our quality of life, but also build advocacy for insuring that recreation is included as a priority for future community planning initiatives. Supplementing LWCF funding with GOMESA revenues will revitalize assistance to states, municipalities, counties, and school districts in fulfilling the recreational needs of their citizens and the tourists who come to visit the parks and facilities supported by these funds.