State Rep. Adam Niemerg announced that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.
A total of $37.5 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. IDNR will again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects in economically distressed communities. In the most recent round of OSLAD awards announced in January, 20 underserved locations received grants for local park projects.
“OSLAD grants can help rebuild the outdoor spaces from storm damage that are essential for by families, children and neighborhoods, said Niemerg. “Having safe, outdoor spaces for families to enjoy adds to the quality of life for our residents.”
OSLAD is a matching grant program that offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Since it was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD has awarded more than $675 million for local park projects throughout Illinois.
Communities whose parks need to be rebuilt as a result of storm damage are encouraged to apply for OSLAD grants. Under state administrative rules, entities recovering from storm damage can apply as physically distressed communities, allowing them to only need 10% matching funds.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31 through the Amplifund portal website. Before applying for a grant, entities must be registered and current in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act grantee portal. For more information, visit the OSLAD website or call 217-782-7481.