Several outdoor recreation organizations are supporting U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senator Michael Bennet’s (D-Colo.) newly introduced Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act. This bill provides capital for rural communities seeking to build and plan for recreation economies.
Jessica Turner, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable president, said rural communities face economic and infrastructure challenges on many fronts, while at the same time attempting to harness opportunities driven by the influx of Americans seeking outdoor recreation.
“The Rural Outdoor Investment Act will provide much-needed planning, infrastructure, and business support to communities as they attract a remote workforce, grow jobs, welcome visitors, and strengthen their economies through outdoor recreation,” Turner said. “ORR has long known the return from investing in outdoor recreation in rural economies, and we applaud Sens. Schumer and Bennet for introducing this forward-thinking and essential legislation that will support every corner of the country.”
The ROI Act will provide:
- $30 million for public works through the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This would fund necessary infrastructure improvements from signage to boat ramps, to new trails.
- $5 million for grants through EDA for communities to create recreation economy plans that optimize their natural spaces including marketing, branding, business development, fundraising, and tourism management.
- $2.5 million in university partnerships to promote place-based research, education and technical assistance to local stakeholders and businesses for this high growth sector.
- $12.5 million for the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) grants for main street revitalization through outdoor recreation.
Phil Ingrassia, RVDA president, said RV owners seek rural areas.
“The ROI Act will help rural communities further develop their capacity to provide support for outdoor recreation and the growing RV customer base,” Ingrassia said, “while improving job opportunities across America.”
RVIA Vice President of Government Affairs Jay Landers said the past two years fundamentally changed American travel, vacation and lifestyle habits, with many embracing outdoor recreation.
“This resurgence of the great outdoors is an excellent opportunity for economic growth in rural communities, many of which have recreation assets like trails, campgrounds, lakes, and rivers,” Landers said. “The Rural Outdoor Investment Act is an important piece of legislation that will provide funding to help these communities grow their local economies through investment in outdoor infrastructure and related businesses. As more and more RVers hit the road, heading to their favorite destination to take part in outdoor recreation activities, this legislation will improve not only their experiences, but also the rural communities making investments in recreation infrastructure.”
