The RV Industry Association (RVIA), RV Dealers Association (RVDA) and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) joined a host of other outdoor recreation groups in applauding the passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act and the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which includes language reauthorizing the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the first time in two decades.
The EXPLORE ACT represents an “incredible legislative achievement” that underscores the advocacy efforts and dedication of the RVIA, according to a release, along with the ORR, RVDA and other industry partners who have helped promote policies that expand access and transform outdoor recreation opportunities. The $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy continues to build upon the success of the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, one of the most significant public lands and waters legislations enacted in our nation’s history.
The bipartisan EXPLORE Act is the first-ever outdoor recreation-specific bill package, and it achieves this without cost to taxpayers. The Act will support local and national economies, enhance access to outdoor spaces for Americans (particularly those in underserved communities), and modernize policies to bolster the recreation businesses that connect people with nature.
“The RV Industry Association, and the wider outdoor recreation industry, is thrilled to see the EXPLORE Act’s passage,” says RVIA President & CEO Craig Kirby. “This is an incredible victory for the countless individuals, communities, and businesses who benefit from accessible, enhanced outdoor spaces. We would like to thank Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Leader Mitch McConnell (R-AL), Chairman Joe Manchin (I-WV), Ranking Member John Barrasso (R-WY), Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-03) for their leadership and support for this legislation.”
“The EXPLORE Act is actually a large package of bills that focus on everything from reducing the red tape for concessionaires to improving campground facilities on public lands as well as clearing the way to provide more connectivity in the front country in our National Parks. Overall, it’s great package that the outdoor industry and other allies have been working on for the better part of two years,” said RVDA President Phil Ingrassia.
Jessica Wahl Turner, President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, lauded the Senate’s action, stating, “Today’s passage of the EXPLORE Act will supercharge the outdoor recreation industry and is a victory for our economy, our communities, our quality of life, and our shared connection to the outdoors. By advancing this transformative legislation, Congress has shown its commitment to ensuring every American has access to world-class outdoor experiences, from our backyard to the backcountry, while supporting the businesses, workers, and communities who make those experiences possible.
“Passing the EXPLORE Act is the result of the hard work of so many,” she continued, “including sponsors Chairman Joe Manchin, Ranking Member John Barrasso, Chairman Bruce Westerman, and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva, and many Senators and Representatives whose bills are included in the package, communities across the nation, outdoor recreation businesses, local and state elected leaders and stakeholders over many years. We are deeply thankful to our congressional champions and their staff, our ORR members, and all who helped pass this crucial legislation and are proud to celebrate this moment with the nation and our ORR members who really lead the way.
“With the EXPLORE Act now poised for the President’s signature and implementation, ORR looks forward to working with the next administration, Congress, state governments, Tribes, and local communities to support a cornerstone of our economy, public health, and quality of life, and all who rely on it. We are ready to get to work helping millions of Americans—from 4th graders exploring national parks, to veterans seeking solace in nature and businesses recovering from natural disasters like Hurricane Helene through expanded outdoor access, modernized recreation policies, and economic growth across the nation,” Wahl Turner concluded.
The EXPLORE Act will:
- Grow rural jobs
- Increase access to public lands
- Ensure more Americans can enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits of an active outdoor lifestyle
- Provide gateway communities assistance for outdoor recreation businesses
- Responsibly extend federal land shoulder seasons to spread out demand and create more RV camping opportunities
- Establish partnership agreements to sustainably modernize campgrounds on federal lands, where appropriate
- Bring much-needed broadband/Wi-Fi to front country campgrounds to address safety issues and provide technologies that park visitors expect
Association officials said they look forward to President Biden signing the EXPLORE Act into law and working with the incoming Trump administration on implementation of this landmark legislation.
Economic Development Reauthorization Act Passes with New Emphasis on Outdoor Recreation
In addition, the House and Senate passed the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which includes language reauthorizing the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the first time in two decades, according to an ORR release. This landmark legislation not only modernizes EDA’s authority to strengthen local economies, but also acknowledges the significance of outdoor recreation as an economic driver for rural communities for the first time and explicitly authorizes outdoor recreation projects as an eligible use of EDA funding. This is a major achievement for rural communities and their resiliency, small businesses, job creation, economic development nationwide, and a strengthened commitment to the great outdoors.
The Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024 sets a new precedent by recognizing outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of the rural economy. It mandates prioritization in funding opportunities for infrastructure grants within the EDA’s public works program to support outdoor recreation. This legislation will grow the public works program’s funding for communities to invest in recreation infrastructure such as boat ramps, trails, and campgrounds. These investments are critical for the expansion of Main Street economies, ensuring a sustainable economic future and enhancing the quality of life for residents across the nation.
“This legislative milestone is a testament to the undeniable value of outdoor recreation to America’s rural economies and the overall well-being of our communities,” said Turner. “By creating new investment opportunities in outdoor recreation infrastructure, planning and jobs, this legislation is acknowledging the transformative power of this industry that supports every corner of the country. This is an investment in sustainable and authentic economic growth, public health, and community well-being. We are grateful to Majority Leader Schumer, Chair Carper, Ranking Member Capito, Chair Graves, and Ranking Member Larsen for spearheading this effort and are excited about the momentum to unlock new opportunities for outdoor recreation in their states and across the country.”
The bipartisan Economic Development Reauthorization Act of 2024 marks the first reauthorization of the EDA in nearly two decades. The bill’s focus on modernizing the EDA’s core programs — including workforce development, disaster assistance, broadband deployment, and renewable energy initiatives — complements its new emphasis on outdoor recreation.
In October, ORR hosted its inaugural National Leadership Forum on Rural Development through Outdoor Recreation in Pittsburgh. The event brought together national leaders in economic development, outdoor recreation, and conservation to identify shared priorities and core opportunities for rural communities looking to enhance their economies through outdoor recreation. ORR also released the second edition of its Rural Economic Development Toolkit earlier this year. This essential resource, built upon three years of extensive research across the United States, is a comprehensive guide for communities looking to strengthen their economies through outdoor recreation. As part of this research, ORR is also aggregating a list of communities seeking support in rural economic development through outdoor recreation–now at 130 communities after just six weeks of data collection and still growing.
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