Grant applications for open-space acquisition now available

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has begun accepting applications for grants to acquire land for open space and recreation.

Officials are accepting requests from local governments for the state-administered Open Space Land Acquisition and Development and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund programs .

OSLAD provides state money to municipalities to purchase and develop land for public outdoor recreation. It is a matching program that provides advance payment of half the grant award for development projects. It's funded through part of the state's Real Estate Transfer Tax.

The federal LWCF similarly provides grants for developing outdoor recreation. It provides up to half of the certified market value of acquired property. The money comes from revenue from offshore oil and gas leases.

Applications are due by Oct. 1.