Virginia Governor Ralph Northam on Wednesday declared he is proposing a $245-million budget for the next two years, which will cover outdoor recreation and the state’s famous public lands, according to RV Industry Association’s (RVIA) News & Insights report.
The office of the governor said that the new money will help the improvement of the Commonwealth’s network of regional trails, Virginia State Parks, and the Office of Outdoor Recreation.
“Virginia is home to a robust outdoor recreation economy, with 41 state parks and more than 450 miles of recreational paths,” Northam said during the announcement.
Our natural assets draw tens of thousands of visitors each year, opening up countless opportunities for economic development across Virginia. This increased funding will make significant progress towards both preserving the beauty of Virginia’s landscape and ensuring that this critical industry continues to thrive for years to come.”
In 2019, Northam established the Office of Outdoor Recreation in Virginia that is responsible for helping increase the value of outdoor recreation within the state. This office is supported by various agencies in the process of promoting Virginia’s outdoor attractions and top-rated business climate.
The RV industry applauds the funding from the Governor’s budget to support the Office of Outdoor Recreation in Virginia, exemplifying the state’s commitment to prioritizing the growth of outdoor recreation,” said RV Industry Association Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Landers.
“In addition to outdoor recreation as a whole, this office supports the nearly 400 RV businesses who create more than 7,000 jobs and pay $340 million in wages here in Virginia.”
RVIA, along with other members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, have requested governors from every state to set up an Office of Outdoor Recreation. Maryland and Arkansas have opened new offices this year, which brings the number of states having the OREC office to 18.
“Governor Northam’s announcement of $245 million in funding for outdoor recreation is welcome news for the outdoor industry sector, the state of Virginia, and all Virginians,” said Outdoor Recreation Roundtable President Jessica (Wahl) Turner.
“The outdoor recreation economy pays huge dividends to Virginia’s economy, to the tune of $8 billion each year. With this additional investment in programs for trails, state parks, and the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation – headed by Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Development Cassidy Rasnick – Virginia will be able to promote outdoor recreation, develop partnerships, and create and improve recreation infrastructure. ORR thanks Governor Northam for his commitment to outdoor recreation and our growing industry. We look forward to continuing to work with the state on moving forward.”