WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen announced $1,008,132 in federal funding for improvements to Cunningham Falls State Park through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership. This investment will go to upgrading the Park’s sidewalks and walkways, picnic pads, and parking area. Although the Trump Administration has repeatedly tried to cut funding for the LWCF, Senators Cardin and Van Hollen have worked to successfully maintain robust funding for this crucial program.

“These federal funds are an investment in the health of our community as well as the countless Marylanders who enjoy time together outdoors at Cunningham Falls State Park. I’ll keep working to ensure our parks stay safe, clean and accessible for all,” said Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

“Throughout the year, families in Maryland and the region travel to Cunningham Falls to hike, fish, and take in the beautiful scenery. This LWCF grant will help upgrade the Park’s facilities to ensure that families are able to visit for years to come. Our state is home to so many wonderful parks, and I will keep fighting to protect them today and for future generations,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Environment and Public Works and Appropriations Committees.

The LWCF State and Local Assistance Program provides matching grants for local and state park projects outside national park boundaries. These grants aim to build and protect a “seamless system of parks” from back-yard to back-country. Since 1965, the National Park Service (NPS) has provided more than 40,000 LWCF grants to states and local communities. LWCF funding is separate from NPS operational appropriations and comes primarily from off-shore oil lease revenue through annual congressional appropriation.