RVBusiness, January/February 2021
TOPof theNews ORR Showcases Key Projects Eligible for Great Outdoors Funds The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable 26 RVBusiness J A N U A R Y F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation Close to 8 Billion The Bureau of Economic Analysis BEA on Nov 10 released updated economic data on outdoor recreations powerful and positive economic impact on the U S economy showing 788 billion in economic output comprising 21 of U S GDP and supporting 52 million jobs The report includes national and state level data for both 2018 and 2019 according to a release from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable This is the third consecutive year that BEA an agency of the U S Department of Commerce has released data on the outdoor recreation economy and the third year the industry has shown growth across the board The current release shows how this growing sector was growing rapidly prior to the pandemic and where it can lead again as an economic growth engine and job creator Key highlights from BEAs new report on the outdoor recreation economy Outdoor recreation makes up 21 of U S GDP generating 788 billion in gross output and supporting 52 million jobs In terms of economic output boating fishing RVing hunting shooting trapping motorcycling ATVing and equestrian sports are the five largest conventional outdoor recreation activities The top states where outdoor recreation accounts for the largest percentage of each states total GDP are Florida Hawaii Maine Montana Vermont and Wyoming The five states where outdoor recreation accounts for the largest percentage of total U S GDP are California Florida Illinois New York and Texas RVB ORR on Dec 15 released the results of its industry wide Land and Water Conservation Fund LWCF collection survey and key projects eligible for the 900 million in mandatory annual funding thanks to the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act earlier this year ORR put out a call for projects to outdoor recreation partners across the country and activity spectrum After evaluating these responses for LWCF eligibility ORR is sharing an initial list of LWCFeligible projects that will create access in communities without recreation assets and help build recreation economies at a time when jobs and revitalization through the outdoors is needed most The highlighted projects showcase the recreation industrys scope and opportunity including Increasing recreation access for diverse user groups sportsmen powersports enthusiasts hikers boaters climbers bikers RVers and many more Promoting rural economic development by adding value to nearby communities and Enhancing opportunities for underrepresented groups e g Indigenous Persons of Color Low income Disabled and Immigrants among others RVB
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