Twenty-five new communities will receive technical assistance through the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program.
This is the second round of RERC grants since the program began in 2019. RERC is a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Northern Border Regional Commission and the Appalachian Regional Commission. RERC helps communities identify strategies to grow their outdoor recreation economy and revitalize Main Streets.
Some RERC funds will be used to fund projects directly impacting RVers. Money will be used to create or expand trail networks to attract overnight visitors and develop broadband networks and electric vehicle charging stations.
“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, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) president.
In partnership with the VF Foundation, ORR has supported the program since its inception. ORR provided additional funding in 2019 for five communities to implement their economic development strategies, helping to unlock millions of dollars in additional grant funding.
