CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is urging local government agencies across the 49^th District to apply for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program.

“Continuing to invest in our local communities fosters a sustainable environment for our residents,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “By funding recreational and conservational projects right here in our neighborhoods, programs like OSLAD enhance our communities and help attract visitors to these vibrant destinations.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.