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municipalauthorities.org | 61 Money article continued from page 32. annually), and the Growing Greener Watershed Protection and Restoration Grants (average award of $235,000). DCNR grants are tailored toward assisting with projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation. Grants for recreation and conservation open in January and close in April each year. Examples of DCNR grants include Community Parks and Recreation Grants, Land Acquisition Grants, Trail Grants, and Partnership Grants. Interestingly, many capital projects may qualify for DCNR grants if land excavation is incurred or public access is granted to the property. Federal Grants Finally, federal grants offered by various federal agencies are another viable option for authorities to receive funding for capital projects. Although grants from the Pennsylvania agencies lpreviously mentioned are more readily accessible, there are numerous federal grants for which authorities can apply. The key benefit of federal grants over state grants is that there are often more federal grants available than state grants. However, before applying for a federal grant, ensure the project meets the eligibility criteria. It is important for municipal authorities or their counsel to check agency websites for grant opportunities and to reach out to agency contacts regarding any questions or the timing of certain grants. Seeking out attorneys who are experienced with the application process for many grant programs offered in the Commonwealth ensures that regulatory compliance will be addressed in any grant application. Attorneys are an excellent resource that can assist with identifying the appropriate grants, gathering the information, drafting applications, and assisting municipal authorities in navigating the application process. S