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Hawaii awarded $1M in federal funds to improve state parks, outdoor recreation projects

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / 2017

An aerial view of Kaena Point State Park.

Hawaii will receive about $1 million in federal funds for the state’s parks and outdoor recreation and conservation projects, Secretary of the Interior Ryan K. Zinke announced today.

The allotment is part of $100 million distributed by the Land and Water Conservation Fund to all 50 States, territories, and the District of Columbia.

“In the last 53 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and its State and Local Assistance Program has provided over $4.2 billion to help states protect special places and bring outdoor recreation opportunities to local communities across the country,” Zinke said in a news release.

The $100 million was supplemented by the June distribution of $61.6 million in revenues to states from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, according to Zinke.

“Together these funds create major positive impacts for millions of Americans who have nearby opportunities for recreation in new and improved community parks and recreation areas,” said Zinke.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund, established by Congress in 1964, protects natural areas to ensure access to outdoor recreation resources for present and future generations without using taxpayer dollars. The primary source of the fund’s revenue comes from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf.

California got the largest share of funds, with about $8.5 million, while Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas got $75,000 each. The allocation for the State and Local Assistance Program is determined by a formula set in the LWCF Act.

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