ORR & Members Welcome Bipartisan House Bill to Invest in America’s Public Lands and Waters

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) affirmed its support for the bipartisan legislation advancing in the House and Senate to reauthorize and strengthen the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), originally established through the Great American Outdoors Act in 2020. The House Natural Resources Committee announced a field hearing to consider a discussion draft of the Great American Outdoors Act 250. The legislation modernizes and updates public land and water infrastructure, increases outdoor access and safety, and supports the outdoor recreation economy.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that outdoor recreation is a $1.3 trillion economic powerhouse, supporting 5.2 million jobs and creating thriving economies and jobs in every state. Recreation on federal lands and water alone added $351 million to the U.S. economy every day.

Business certainty and strategic, sustained access and infrastructure investment—particularly on the public lands and waters that underpin the entire outdoor economy—is critical to keeping momentum and ensuring long-term resilience for communities across the country. That is why ORR and its members spanning the entire outdoor recreation economy are pleased to support the bipartisan effort advancing in Congress to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund. The LRF has already delivered transformative results, funding projects nationwide and improving critical infrastructure across public lands and waters. 

“From trails and campgrounds to marinas and visitor facilities, these investments have enhanced access, supported local economies, and improved the visitor experience,” said Jessica Turner, President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “Reauthorizing and strengthening the LRF now represents a generational opportunity to build on that success and ensure public lands and waters are equipped to meet a growing interest in outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of healthy, resilient, and sustainable economies and communities as we celebrate America’s 250th and for the next 250 years to come.”

ORR is pleased the House bill includes the establishment of a pilot program for projects that improve outdoor recreation infrastructure and sportsmen’s access. This program will enhance recreational opportunities and improve wildlife habitat, while also generating revenue for the agencies and preventing future maintenance backlog projects.

As one of the few truly bipartisan issues in Washington, investing in outdoor infrastructure unites communities across the political spectrum and supports nearly every American—whether through jobs, small businesses, access to nature, or improved health and quality of life. It is especially vital to the strength of rural economies and the well-being of gateway communities that rely on healthy public lands.

"Modernizing our public lands infrastructure is directly tied to the health of the $159 billion RV industry and the quality of our customers' experiences," said Craig Kirby, RV Industry Association President & CEO. "The introduction of the Great American Outdoors Act 250 demonstrates strong, bipartisan leadership on an issue that impacts millions of outdoor enthusiasts and the 72 million Americans who plan to go RVing this year. Reauthorizing and strengthening the Legacy Restoration Fund ensures our national parks and public lands can continue to serve as economic engines and cherished spaces for generations of RVers to come. We applaud the House Natural Resources Committee leadership for their commitment to protecting the outdoor experience and supporting the local economies that rely on thriving public lands."

ORR is urging Congress to swiftly reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to conservation, outdoor recreation, and the economic and cultural vitality of public lands. 

“Since the original Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law, these investments have helped fuel the growth of the outdoor recreation economy, which generates $1.3 trillion in economic output and supports over 5.2 million American jobs," said Turner. "ORR applauds the bipartisan leadership in both the House and Senate to advance this legislation and stands ready to work with Congress to secure long-term, bipartisan support for our nation’s outdoor infrastructure."

ORR members spanning the entire $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy support reauthorizing and strengthening the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). 

“The America the Beautiful Act represents an important investment in America’s outdoor recreation infrastructure and will help ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy our nation’s public lands," said Phil Ingrassia, President of the RV Dealers Association. "For the millions of families who travel by RV each year, well-maintained campgrounds, parks, and recreation areas are essential to creating memorable travel experiences and supporting local economies. By addressing critical maintenance needs and improving access to our public lands, this legislation will strengthen camping and RV travel opportunities across the country while encouraging more Americans to explore the outdoors and discover the freedom of the RV lifestyle."

View additional quotes from other sectors of the outdoor recreation industry here.

Background:  

• The House Natural Resources Committee field hearing will take place in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on the Great American Outdoors Act 250 to extend the Legacy Restoration Funding on June 12.
• The House bill text (discussion draft) Chairman Westerman (R-AR) and Ranking Member Huffman (D-CA) have been negotiating can be found here: Legislative field hearing on a Discussion Draft of the “Great American Outdoors Act 250.”
• ORR is particularly excited about the recreation pilot program and its impact on healthy communities, economies, and people and the understanding that recreation infrastructure is core to our natural resource legacy, especially as we celebrate America’s 250th this year.
• ORR supports the America the Beautiful Act introduced by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Mark Warner (D-VA). The legislation has significant momentum in the Senate with 62 bipartisan cosponsors.