The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and its member organizations are backing bipartisan legislation in Congress that would reauthorize and strengthen the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), citing its role in improving public land infrastructure, expanding outdoor access, and supporting the nation’s outdoor recreation economy.
The House Natural Resources Committee recently announced a field hearing to consider a discussion draft of the Great American Outdoors Act 250, legislation designed to modernize public land and water infrastructure, enhance outdoor access and safety, and build on investments made through the original Great American Outdoors Act of 2020.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation generates $1.3 trillion in economic output and supports 5.2 million jobs nationwide.
Recreation on federal lands and waters contributes $351 million to the U.S. economy each day.
ORR said continued investment in public lands infrastructure is essential to maintaining business certainty, supporting rural communities, and sustaining long-term growth across the outdoor recreation sector.
The organization noted that the LRF has funded projects nationwide that address maintenance backlogs and improve infrastructure on public lands and waters.
“From trails and campgrounds to marinas and visitor facilities, these investments have enhanced access, supported local economies, and improved the visitor experience,” said Jessica Turner, president of ORR.
Turner said reauthorizing and strengthening the fund represents an opportunity to build on those investments as demand for outdoor recreation continues to grow.
The House proposal also includes a pilot program focused on improving outdoor recreation infrastructure and sportsmen’s access. ORR said the initiative would enhance recreational opportunities, improve wildlife habitat, generate revenue for federal agencies, and help prevent future maintenance backlogs.
Industry organizations representing off-road vehicle users, guides and outfitters, RV manufacturers and dealers, boaters, cyclists, equestrians, campground operators, and outdoor businesses issued statements supporting the legislation.
Niiden joukossa RV-teollisuusyhdistys (RVIA) said modernized public land infrastructure is important to the health of the $159 billion RV industry and the experience of the 72 million Americans expected to travel by RV this year.
The RV Dealers Association said investments in campgrounds, parks, and recreation areas help create travel opportunities for RVing families while supporting local economies.
The Outdoor Industry Association highlighted the importance of continued investment for the record 183.2 million Americans who participate in outdoor recreation and the 5.2 million workers supported by the industry.
The Outdoor Hospitality Industry noted that three out of four of its member campgrounds are located within 25 miles of public lands, making recreation infrastructure investments important for both visitors and rural businesses.
A House Natural Resources Committee field hearing on the Great American Outdoors Act 250 is scheduled for June 12 in Hot Springs.
ORR is also supporting the bipartisan America the Beautiful Act in the Senate, which has attracted 62 bipartisan cosponsors and would similarly extend support for public lands infrastructure and access.