According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beacher City), several communities in the 110th district have been notified that they are recipients of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD grants. Four communities Clinton, Fayette and Marion Counties are being awarded a combined total of $2,399,600 for projects in the area.
Established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded nearly $585 million for park projects and has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois.
The following entities in the 110th district have received OSLAD grant funds:
• $600,000 for the City of Carlyle
• $600,000 for the City of Centralia
• $600,000 for the City of Vandalia
• $599,600 for the Village of Central City
“These joint investments between our local communities and the state of Illinois help support and improve the quality of life with parks and facilities for our children, families, and senior citizens,” said Rep. Wilhour. “The development and improvement of recreation areas not only are good for our residents but help to attract tourists to Illinois.”
Nearly $55 million in state grants are being awarded for 111 local park projects throughout Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities in the current round of OSLAD grant funds.