ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin is urging communities across Western Illinois to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“This state funding is a great resource to keep our parks clean and safe,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “There are many great public parks all throughout Western Illinois and I believe it is vital for local governments to take advantage of funding that is available.”

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 state-financed 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.