1. Application Intent Forms must be submitted by October 22, 2007.
2. A sponsor may submit more than one project application, but must indicate which application has the higher priority. In no case will federal funding of more than $20,000 be awarded to any one project nor will funding exceed 50% of project cost.
3. All five copies of the applications must contain all requested information, including budget, maps, the environmental assessment report, and supporting documents.
4. Project sites will be inspected by state staff before the final application evaluation. Meetings with project sponsor representatives, as appropriate, will take place at that time. Project sites visited in the recent past or sites well known to state staff may not be re-inspected.
5. All potential grant applicants that attend a LWCF grant workshop will receive five bonus points on their application. Grant workshop information is included in the grant package.
6. Completed applications received by January 15, 2008 will be reviewed by state staff using the 2007 project evaluation criteria enclosed. Project ranking by state staff will be completed as soon as possible after the application deadline.
7. Applications will be ranked in order of total points awarded, from the highest to the lowest. Projects will be selected solely on the basis of total points, in descending order, to the limit of federal funds.
8. Grant award recommendations will be presented to the Open Project Selection Process (OPSP) Advisory Committee. Then, recommendations will be presented to the Commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, the State Liaison Officer for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, for final State authorization.
9. Project sponsors will be notified of State recommendations in February 2008 or later if federal budget action is delayed.
10. Projects selected through this process must then be submitted by this office to the National Park Service for final approval. Other actions and information necessary may include:
- Action by the local Town, School District, City legislative body, or County Board of Commissioners to formally authorize the project.
- More detailed cost estimates.
- Engineered plans, specifications, or construction details.
- A project property map with bearings, distances, known reference and monument points, abutters, and the details of project site layout and construction.
- The New Hampshire Intergovernmental Review through the Office of Energy and Planning (includes historic/cultural review by the Division of Historical Resources, rare and sensitive species review by the N.H. Natural Heritage Inventory, and wetlands review by the Department of Environmental Services).
11. Anticipate a project application approval time of three to four months for final federal authorization and the obligation of funds. Historic or archeological significance of a site, property appraisal questions, permits, or the need for local warrant or budget action can significantly lengthen the process.
12. All project applications are restricted to new acquisition or development work that cannot start until the Grant Round Twenty-Three selection process has been completed and the National Park Service (NPS) has given final approval for the specific project application. We anticipate NPS final approval to occur in May or June 2008.
12. Any costs for work done on-site before federal approval of the project application, and the cost of appraisals, surveys, and other incidental costs of land acquisition, are not eligible for federal matching assistance.
13. For additional information and assistance contact:
Gail A. Wolek, Deputy Director or
Shari Colby, Community Outreach Specialist
Division of Parks & Recreation
N.H. Department of Resources & Economic Development
P.O. Box 1856
Concord, NH 03302-1856
(603) 271-3556; (603) 271-3553 Fax