•New Bill Would Help Rural Communities Prepare for and Grow Outdoor Recreation Economies, Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. February 8, 2022 – The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas and others in the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) are fully supporting U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Michael Bennet’s (D-CO) newly introduced Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act. This bill provides much-needed capital for rural communities seeking to build and plan for recreation economies.
“It is no secret the power of the outdoor recreation economy, which comprised 1.8 percent of the United States GDP in 2020, benefitting communities across America, as people engaged in pastimes like recreational boating and fishing, hiking and mountain biking,” said Chad Tokowicz, MRAA Government Relations Manager. “The ROI Act provides tools to rural communities, so they can get a piece of this growing market sector. The outdoor recreation economy can be a crucial addition to a community by creating additional jobs and increasing revenue at local businesses through ancillary purchases.”
If passed, the ROI Act’s funding could not come at a better time. Outdoor recreation participation sky-rocketed during the pandemic and shows no signs of receding. Additionally, economic studies confirm that rural communities that plan for and invest in recreation businesses, access and infrastructure are more resilient and grow faster with more sustainable economic development.
The ROI Act will provide:
•$30 million for public works through the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This would fund necessary infrastructure improvements from signage to boat ramps to new trails.
•$5 million for grants through EDA for communities to create recreation economy plans that optimize their natural spaces including marketing, branding, business development, fundraising and tourism management.
•$2.5 million in university partnerships to promote place-based research, education and technical assistance to local stakeholders and businesses for this high-growth sector.
•$12.5 million for the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) grants for main street revitalization through outdoor recreation.
“The Rural Outdoor Investment Act will create common-sense changes to pre-existing programs and direct money to communities to help bolster and grow their outdoor recreation economies,” says Jeff Strong, Vice Chairman, MRAA Board and President, Strong’s Marine, Mattituck, N.Y. “From additional funding to improve boat ramps to money aimed at helping communities market their recreational offerings, this bill will benefit the recreational boating industry, boaters and anglers and rural communities.”
“Rural communities across the country are dealing with economic and infrastructure challenges stemming from COVID-19, climate change and transitioning economies, all while trying to seize opportunities from massive shifts in workforce and the influx of Americans seeking the outdoors,” says Jessica Turner, ORR President. “The Rural Outdoor Investment Act will provide much-needed planning, infrastructure and business support to communities as they attract a remote workforce, grow jobs, welcome visitors and strengthen their economies through outdoor recreation. ORR has long known the return from investing in outdoor recreation in rural economies, and we applaud Senators Schumer and Bennet for introducing this forward-thinking and essential legislation that will support every corner of the country.”
As the legislation makes its way through Congress, MRAA will work with the ORR and other industry partners to highlight the positive impact on the recreational boating industry. If you have questions or want to contribute to advocacy, email Chad Tokowicz.
About the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
At the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, we believe that for the marine industry to thrive, the retail organizations that interact with the boaters in their community must thrive. With that in mind, MRAA works to create a strong and healthy boating industry by uniting those retailers, providing them with opportunities for improvement and growth, and representing them with a powerful voice. For more information, visit MRAA.com or contact us at 763-315-8043.
