The following is from the RV Industry Association’s News & Insights report.
During Advocacy Day earlier this summer, RV leaders asked their members of Congress to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, which was established in 2020 by the Great American Outdoors Act.
On Tuesday, Sept. 5, a House Natural Resources Subcommittee Hearing will take place revolving around the Legacy Restoration Fund and the next steps for the program that expires at the end of September.
Unlike many hearings that take place at the Capitol, this is a field hearing that will take place at Jenny Lake Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. The field hearing will revolve around the 2020 National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.
The Legacy Restoration Fund addresses deferred maintenance in national parks, investing more than $6.5 billion into the initiative. This five-year funding source was first established by the Great American Outdoors Act (along with the permanent Land and Water Conservation Fund).
A livestream of the hearing will be available on Sept 5. here.
Speaking of the Legacy Restoration Fund, an op-ed in West Virginia outlet highlights the incredible ability for outdoor recreation to bring Americans together, even during politically fraught moments. Highlights from the op-ed include:
- Outdoor recreation remains a cornerstone of West Virginia’s economy and quality of life. Recreation drives tourism, attracts new residents, and strengthens local communities. In fact, 85% of Americans say access to parks and nature influences where they choose to live.
- “Americans may seem deeply divided — at least that’s the impression we get from the headlines. But amid all that separates us, one powerful force continues to unite us: a shared pride in nature,” the op-ed states.
- Across the country, including in West Virginia, Americans consistently value their lands and waters and honor the legacy of conservation that defines national identity.
