Florida Communities Trust
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Florida Communities Trust (FCT) is a governmental land acquisition program in the state of Florida, United States, administered by the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Grants are awarded annually on a competitive basis to local governments and non-profit environmental organizations for community-based parks, open space and greenways. These projects must further outdoors recreation and natural resources protection needs identified in the local government's Comprehensive Plans.[1]
The program helps Florida communities meet growth management challenges, protects the state's natural and cultural resources, and helps meet recreational needs. The program is funded by 22% of the Florida Forever (FF) funds, $66 million each year. Counties with a population of 75,000 or more are required to provide matching funds equal to 25% of the total project cost. Non-profit organizations are exempt from this requirement. The maximum application grant is $6.6 million per year.[1]
The Florida Communities Trust was established in 1989 to help local governments acquire land for open spaces, natural areas, parks and beaches. Initially, it was under control of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, but later shifted to the Department of Community Affairs. FCT projects improve the quality of life for the residents of Florida. Grants from the Parks and Open Space program fund regional and local parks, which encourage nature-based tourism, promote community revitalization and economic growth.[2] Through the 1990s, it was funded by the Preservation 2000 bond program, which was replaced by the Florida Forever Act.[3]