# Plain Language Summary: Rural Outdoor Investment Act

This bill creates a new federal funding program to help rural communities build outdoor recreation projects that can boost their local economies. The government will give grants to rural areas to develop things like hiking trails, fishing areas, camping facilities, bike paths, or other outdoor activities that attract visitors and create jobs. The bill defines outdoor recreation as any physical activity done for fun in nature—so it covers everything from rock climbing to kayaking to horseback riding. The goal is to help small towns and rural regions that might not have the resources to develop these attractions on their own, turning natural assets into economic opportunities.

To make this work, the bill sets aside $37.5 million per year for five years (2024-2028) to fund these outdoor recreation projects through existing economic development programs. Additionally, the bill requires federal agencies to create training programs and educational materials to help rural communities and small businesses understand what funding is available and how to apply for it. These trainings will be offered both online and in person, covering topics like business development, community planning, and how to market outdoor recreation opportunities.

The bill also strengthens an existing program called the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities by connecting it to other federal agencies like the Small Business Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. This creates a more coordinated approach where rural communities can access multiple types of support in one place. The bill specifically mentions regional commissions in areas like Appalachia, the Delta, Alaska, and the Northern Great Plains, ensuring that economically struggling regions get special attention. Essentially, this is an investment in helping rural America use its natural resources to create sustainable economic growth through outdoor tourism and recreation.

Rural Outdoor Investment Act

Stansbury, Melanie A.

Rural Outdoor Investment ActThis bill establishes programs that support outdoor recreation and economic development in rural communities.Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Commerce to make grants for outdoor recreation projects to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities. Economic development districts, Indian tribes, states, local governments, institutions of higher education, or nonprofits may apply for the grants.Commerce,&nbsp;in consultation with the Small Business Administration and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), must develop a partnership agreement to provide for the development of, among other things, basic training for small businesses and rural communities&nbsp;relating to existing funding opportunities for outdoor recreation.Additionally, USDA's Rural Development must partner with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Forest Service to carry out a grant program for developing action plans under&nbsp;the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities planning assistance program.