To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide grants for outdoor recreation projects to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities, and to provide training for rural communities on funding opportunities for outdoor recreation, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · July 27, 2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
This bill creates a new grant program to fund outdoor recreation projects in rural communities as a way to boost economic development. The legislation authorizes $37.5 million annually from 2024 through 2028 for grants through the Economic Development Administration to support activities like trails, parks, and recreational facilities in rural areas. Additionally, the bill requires the federal government to develop training programs and educational materials to help rural businesses and communities understand and access existing funding opportunities for outdoor recreation projects, with these resources made available both online and in person. The bill also strengthens an existing Agriculture Department program focused on recreation economy development in rural areas by connecting it with other federal agencies and establishing a competitive grant program, with at least half of the $12.5 million annual budget going directly to grants. The training and grant programs are designed to help rural communities, small businesses, and regional development organizations access the resources needed to develop outdoor recreation as an economic development strategy.
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