WASHINGTON, D.C. – The MRAA joined the Association of Marina Industries (AMI), the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and BoatUS in a Congressional Boating Caucus–hosted Capitol Hill briefing focused on a top priority for the recreational boating industry: improving infrastructure and expanding access to public waters.
The bipartisan event was led by Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC) and brought together congressional staff and industry leaders to discuss the critical role federal policy plays in supporting safe, reliable, and modern boating access across the country.
Industry Leaders Emphasize the Economic Impact of Boating Infrastructure
Speakers highlighted how investments in boating infrastructure — including boat ramps, marinas, dredging, and waterway maintenance — directly support economic growth, outdoor recreation, and public access.
The recreational boating industry remains a uniquely American industry, supporting 812,000 jobs and generating $230 billion in annual economic impact. Notably, 95 percent of boats sold in the U.S. are made domestically, and 93 percent of manufacturers are small businesses.
New data from the U.S. Department of Commerce show the outdoor recreation economy generated $1.3 trillion in economic impact in 2024, with boating and fishing serving as its leading driver. Ensuring access to public waters is essential to sustaining this growth and supporting the millions of Americans who boat each year.
Federal Programs Supporting Public Access to Waterways
Industry leaders also outlined key federal programs and policies that play a vital role in maintaining and expanding access to public waters, including:
- The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, a user-pay system that supports state-led investments in boating access, fisheries, and habitat restoration
- The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which provides critical direction to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for dredging, marina development, and waterway maintenance necessary to keep navigation channels open and safe
Speakers underscored the need for Congress to continue advancing these programs to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with participation in outdoor recreation.
MRAA’s Ongoing Commitment to Federal Boating Access Policy
MRAA thanks NMMA for its leadership in spearheading the event, as well as partners including BoatUS and AMI, for their collaboration. MRAA also appreciates Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. for participating in the discussion, along with the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) for contributing their expertise and perspective.
As Congress continues to consider infrastructure and conservation priorities, MRAA remains focused on advancing federal boating access policy that protects public waters, strengthens U.S. marine manufacturing, supports innovation, and improves recreation infrastructure for communities nationwide.
