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(Phoenix, Arizona - September 19, 2013) - On September 18, 2013, the Arizona State Parks Board awarded $15,391,690 in Growing Smarter State Trust Land Acquisition Fund grants from the Land Conservation Fund.

The following three grants were awarded:

· City of Scottsdale - McDowell Sonoran Preserve towards the purchase of 2,365 acres for up to $8,044,190

· Pima County - Tortolita Mountain Park Expansion Acquisition Phase II towards the purchase of 800 acres for up to $1,347,500.

· City of Flagstaff - Observatory Mesa towards the purchase of 2,251.20 acres for up to $6,000,000.

A total of $16,088,380 was available from the Land Conservation Fund for the FY 2013 Growing Smarter Grant Cycle. Approval of the awards is contingent upon the applicants being the successful bidders at public auction. The final grant amounts will be based on the Arizona State Land Department final appraisal value of the parcels.

The purpose of the Land Conservation Fund is to conserve open spaces in or near urban areas and other areas experiencing high growth pressures. This is accomplished by awarding grants for the purchase or lease of State Trust land that has been classified as suitable for conservation purposed by the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD).

The passage of Proposition 303 on November 3, 1998 established an annual $20 million appropriation by the Arizona State Legislature from the General Fund to the Land Conservation Fund. This annual appropriation began in FY 2001 and ended in FY 2011. With the passage of Senate Bill 1071 in 2003, State Parks annually transferred $2 million to the Livestock and Crop Conservation Fund administered by the Department of Agriculture. As a result, an $18 million annual appropriation was available for the Growing Smarter grant program through FY 2011. Beginning FY 2012 only remaining unexpended funds are available for grant awards.

It is anticipated that approximately $696,690 will remain available for the next grant cycle.

For more grant information regarding the grant programs or grant workshop dates and locations contact Annie McVay at Arizona State Parks at (602) 542-4174 or (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at AZStateParks.com/grants.

For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703). Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.