The year-end omnibus appropriations bill, which was signed into law in December, has advanced several outdoor recreation industry priorities, as advocated by the RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) federal affairs team.
This bill has been a great investment for the National Park Service and for numerous programs that support parks, forests, campgrounds, and outdoor recreation assets, as per the News & Insights report of the RVIA.
One of the most significant investments in the bill is the allocation of millions of dollars for key Great American Outdoors Act and Land and Water Conservation Fund projects. This includes several campground-related initiatives, such as the rehabilitation of Mount Rainer National Park’s Ohanapecosh Campground.
These funds will be used to upgrade facilities, improve accessibility, and make much-needed repairs to ensure that campers have a safe and enjoyable experience while visiting these national treasures.
Additionally, the bill addresses deferred maintenance issues plaguing U.S. Forest campgrounds in California, Utah, Oregon, Missouri, and North Dakota. These funds will be used to repair and maintain campground infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water systems, which are essential for RVers and other visitors to access the great outdoors.
The bill also extends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which authorizes public lands to retain entrance, campground, and recreation fees to be used to maintain recreational assets.
This is a key provision that ensures that campground revenue stays within the park system, and it’s a similar protocol to the one used by campgrounds, which is a vital component of the RV industry’s current and future growth.
In addition to these initiatives, the bill has included investments to bring back 500 new staff, which is the largest operations increase in a decade. This will help to ensure that national parks and other public lands have the resources they need to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
The bill also reauthorized the National Park Foundation and set aside $1.5 billion in disaster relief for parks to help repair damage caused by natural disasters and other unforeseen events.
Another outdoor recreation industry initiative included in the bill focuses on visitor services, with funding provided to expand recreational fishing and camping opportunities. Instruction on introductory recreation experiences in parks will also be provided throughout the year in a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, camping,
Guess what? The year-end bill elevates outdoor initiatives, enriches accessibility, and upgrades the digital experience for national park visitors!