National Park Service Announces Urban Park Grants Competition
Applications Due March 29, 2002
WASHINGTON -- National Park Service (NPS) Director Fran Mainella announced today the competition for $28.9 million from the FY 2002 budget appropriations under the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program (UPARR). Eligible cities and counties may request up to $1 million in matching assistance to rehabilitate critically needed urban park areas.
"Through the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Program, the National Park Service actively partners with city and county governments to revitalize existing recreation facilities and systems, and return them to full public use," Mainella said. "By redesigning and renovating severely deteriorated facilities, our partners help meet the growing demand for local, close-to-home recreation opportunities."
More than 400 cities and counties are considered eligible jurisdictions for UPARR grants. This list is available on the NPS website at www.nps.gov/uparr. Other jurisdictions not on the list but located in a Metropolitan Statistical Area and which address specified stress criteria may also compete for grants under this program.
The appropriate NPS field office (listed on the website) must receive pre-applications no later than March 29, 2002. Proposals are then reviewed and evaluated by the NPS and final decisions are made by the Director. Formal grant offers to successful applicants are anticipated by mid-May 2002.
From 1978 through 2001, the UPARR program has awarded more than $287 million for 1390 grants in 265 local jurisdictions, in 43 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The UPARR program was established in November 1978 to provide matching grants and technical assistance to economically distressed urban communities. UPARR provides direct federal assistance to urban localities for rehabilitation of critically needed recreation facilities. The law also encourages systematic local planning and commitment to continuing operation and maintenance of recreation programs, sties, and facilities.
|
