SLIF~What in the world is SLIF?

Arizona’s State Lake Improvement Fund (SLIF) program was established in 1960 by the Arizona State Legislature to assist state and local units of government to fund projects on waters where boats are permitted.

SLIF revenues are generated from a percentage of the state motor vehicle fuel taxes attributed to watercraft and motorized watercraft license taxes paid at the time of boat registration, and interest income on the fund. Funded projects include water-based recreation amenities such as boat launch ramps, restrooms, and campgrounds, as well as lake construction or improvement, and law enforcement watercraft.

The SLIF program is administered through a competitive grant process by the Arizona State Parks Board. Applications are evaluated against a rating criterion, which is based on a statewide survey of lake recreational needs and documentation of local needs and priorities. Applications are accepted annually in December, followed by awards by the Parks Board in September. The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Capital Review* (JCCR)reviews the awarded projects before State Parks can enter into the participant agreements obligating the funds.

* I am a member of this committee.