Original LWCF Act of 1965 which designates how funds are to be directed and used

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As we consider the 50th Anniversary of LWCF on Sept.  3, 2014, we need to look back to see what the original purpose of the Act was to determine it’s success and future focus, if it is to be reauthorized by 2015.  This language speaks to the need to reinstate a significant state share of this program to assure accessibility to outdoor recreation resources for future generations for active participation and to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens.. These were national priorities in 1964 and are still national priorities in 2014.. ( ed. comment )

Here is a post and a link to the original 1965 LWCF Act.  Note the clear intent for a shared use of the fund to ” assuring accessibility to all citizens of the United States of America of present and future generations…. such quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation in such recreation and to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens… ”

78 STAT.]  PUBLIC LAW 88-578-SEPT. 3, 1964 897

Public Law 88-578  –  AN ACT –   September 3, 1964

To establish a land and water conservation fund to assist the States and Federal [H. R. 3846] agencies in meeting present and future outdoor recreation demands and needs of the American people, and for other purposes.

(b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this Act are to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility to all citizens of the United States of America of present and future generations and visitors who are lawfully present within the boundaries of the United States of America such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation in such recreation and to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens of the United States by (1) providing funds for and authorizing Federal assistance to the States in planning, acquisition, and development of needed land and water areas and facilities and (2) providing funds for the Federal acquisition and development of certain lands and other areas.

ALLOCATION OP LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND FOR STATE AND

FEDERAL PURPOSES : AUTHORIZATION FOR ADVANCE APPROPRIATIONS

SEC. 4. (a) ALLOCATION.—There shall be submitted with the annual budget of the United States a comprehensive statement of estimated requirements during the ensuing fiscal year for appropriations from the fund. In the absence of a provision to the contrary in the Act making an appropriation from the fund, (i) the appropriation therein made shall be available in the ratio of 60 per centum for State purposes and 40 per centum for Federal purposes, but (ii) the President may, during the first five years in which appropriations are made from the fund, vary said percentages by not more than 15 points either way to meet, as nearly as may be, the current relative needs of the States and the Federal Government.

Here is the link to the entire law.. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-78/pdf/STATUTE-78-Pg897.pdf