Tilden, TX- Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $500,000 in federal funding for McMullen County. These funds, awarded through to the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), will be used to create a 4.8 acre community park in Tilden, Texas. 

“Public parks serve as the soul of our neighbors and bring enrichment to all of our lives,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Tilden’s new park will create economic value for our community as well as health and environmental benefits for our citizens. I will continue to support the creation of new spaces where our families gather, children play, and community spirit grows.  I want to congratulate McMullen County for this joint investment, and thank County Judge James Teal and Project Manager Dale Patterson for their work in bringing this community park to life.”

“McMullen Countians will be excited to enjoy the recreational amenities the park will offer to people of all ages – a group pavilion, walking trails, exercise stations, age appropriate playgrounds, picnic areas, BBQ grills, air-conditioned restrooms and a splash pad,” said Project Manager Dale Patterson.

Community Park Project in Tilden

The 4.8-acre community park in Tilden, Texas, will be the first of its kind in the county. The park will include air-conditioned restrooms, WiFi, and a community pavilion. In addition, the park will include walking trails, a possible dock at the river, BBQ pits, and splash pads for children. The groundbreaking is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2020.

The LWCF State & Local Assistance Program

McMullen County has received $500,000 in federal funds from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund. The grant will be matched by the county for a $1 million joint-investment.

This year, the U.S. Department of the Interior funded over $170 million in grant awards across the country from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). LWCF funds are non-taxpayer dollars derived from Outer Continental Shelf lease revenues and are awarded through federal matching grants administered by the National Park Service. Texas received over $9 million through this funding resource to improve parks and other recreation areas in local communities.

These grants are approved through state level departments like Texas Parks and Wildlife, which help to determine the allocations of these federal funds. This funding assists localities in building parks and community areas in urban and rural areas.