The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) lauded the federal government’s decision to provide technical assistance to 25 communities under the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program (RERC).
Some funds are earmarked to strengthen outdoor recreation businesses and improve access to outdoor activities.
“The Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program is exactly what rural America needs to harness the high demand for outdoor recreation and develop sustainable economies that benefit locals and visitors alike,” said Jessica Turner, ORR president. “The $689 billion outdoor recreation economy benefits greatly from continued government investment in programs like these that work on the ground and positively impact people, place and planet.”
RERC is a planning assistance program helping rural communities use outdoor recreation to revitalize their main streets. Communities are encouraged to pursue activities that foster environmentally friendly community development and revitalization through the conservation and sustainable use of public or private forests or other natural resources, the Environmental Protection Agency said.
ORR supported the formation of the program and provided additional funding for five communities to implement their economic development strategies, helping to unlock millions of dollars in additional grant funding.
The communities are planning to undertake a variety of revitalization projects which include:
- Building new trail systems;
- Improving access and walkability along main streets;
- Increasing access to outdoor activities for all residents and visitors;
- Strengthening outdoor recreation businesses;
- Adapting to the climate impacts that affect coastal resources, wildfires, and winter recreation opportunities;
- Cleaning up and repurposing vacant buildings; and
- Creating new parks and recreation amenities.
View the list of the selected communities and projects
