IOWA OUTDOOR RECREATION BUSINESSES APPLAUD HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOORS ACT
Aug. 3, 2020
Source: Outdoor Recreation Roundtable news release
In a historic bipartisan vote, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act, legislation that will stimulate the outdoor recreation industry and support the thousands of small and large businesses that comprise the growing industry and create more safe and sustainable recreation access for all Americans.
"Today's passage of the Great American Outdoors Act is an important win for not only the RV industry but the greater $778 billion outdoor recreation economy. This legislation will ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for the millions of RVers across the country by addressing the deferred maintenance backlog on public lands and waters," said Mike Happe, president and CEO of Winnebago Industries. "We are grateful to Congressfor their dedication to the RV industry and the people of Iowa and Indiana. Enactment of this milestone legislation will mean increased recreation access for all Americans no matter where they live."
"At Polaris Inc., we are passionate about the outdoors and we applaud the bipartisan support for the Great American Outdoors Act, which promotes conservation and outdoor recreation. #thinkoutside," said Scott W. Wine, chairman & CEO of Polaris Inc.
Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act provides full, permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and will address the $20 billion backlog on federal lands and waters, improving recreation infrastructure for camping in our nation's parks, forests and more.
Outdoor recreation is a major part of Iowa's economy. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation accounts for 48,000 jobs in Iowa and generates $3.4 billion annually.
"If you're an RVer, or any kind of outdoor recreation enthusiast, the Great American Outdoors Act is the best thing to happen to our community in six decades," said Craig Kirby, RV Industry Association President. "Thank you to those Members of Congress, especially the RV Caucus members, who voted in favor of this landmark legislation that will direct significant funds toward critical deferred maintenance and campground modernization needs on our public lands and waters. Twenty million RVers across the country depend on our iconic state and federal lands for recreation, conservation, enjoyment, and overnight camping. Enactment of this milestone legislation will mean increased recreation access for all no matter where they live, allowing more Americans to find fulfillment in living an active outdoor lifestyle."
Full, permanent funding for LWCF will significantly increase funding to build and upgrade parks in Iowa and across the country. In the past, LWCF has been key to the RV industry in Iowa, supporting projects like:
Squaw Creek Park in Linn County, $205,917 - Within a short distance of Cedar Rapids, Squaw Creek Park is a popular outdoor recreation destination with opportunities for picnicking, camping, winter activities, enjoying nature and more. LWCF funds helped originally acquire the park, develop the campground, and build a picnic shelter and other amenities. Squaw Creek Park offers 69 campsites with a modern, state-of-the-art restroom and shower facility.
Bellevue State Park, Jackson County, $213,967 - Bellevue State Park is home to one of Jackson County's most scenic Mississippi River overlooks. The park offers electric and nonelectric sites and RV hookups for visitors. LWCF funds helped originally acquire and develop the park, build the shower building, and recently upgrade the campground.
Hickory Hills Park, $108,208 - LWCF funding went to originally acquire this park, and a recent 2019 project helped upgrade the electrical hookups to make it a great place for RVers.
Big Woods Lake, Black Hawk County, $84,400 - The Big Woods Lake Recreation area provides a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities including access to the metropolitan recreation trail system, boating, fishing, hiking and picnicking and a newly established 10-acre prairie. The park offers an RV Campground with full hookups, and 55 RV campsites. Multiple small lakes are enjoyed for fishing. LWCF funding has helped develop and expand the campground.
Union Grove State Park, Tama County, $197,560 - Union Grove State Park, located in northwest Tama County, is a very popular outdoor recreation area, with swimming beaches, boating and fishing. LWCF funds went to renovate the park in 2010. The trails are open for snowmobiling in the winter. Two boat ramps provide convenient lake access and the campground includes full hookups and non-electric.
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable promotes the growth of the outdoor recreation economy and outdoor recreation activities and is the leading outdoor recreation coalition with 32 member associations serving over 100,000 businesses. ORR's members represent America's hunting, fishing, RVing, biking, hiking, camping, ATVing, diving, horseback and skiing communities among many more.
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