Outdoors for All Act

Outdoors for All Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to establish an outdoor recreation legacy partnership grant program under which Interior may award grants to states, certain political subdivisions of a state, special purpose districts, Indian tribes, or Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian communities or organizations.

Funds must be used for projects to (1) acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes in qualifying areas, and (2) develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public in qualifying areas.

Qualifying area means

• an urbanized area or urban cluster that has a population of 25,000 or more in the most recent census,
• two or more adjacent urban clusters with a combined population of 25,000 or more in the most recent census, or
• an area that is administered by an Indian tribe or an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization.

Interior shall give priority to projects that

• create or significantly enhance access to park and recreational opportunities in an urban neighborhood or community,
• engage and empower underserved communities and youth,
• provide opportunities for employment or job training for youth or underserved communities,
• establish or expand public-private partnerships, and
• take advantage of coordination among various levels of government.

The Outdoors for All Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 1065, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to increase access to outdoor recreational activities for all Americans, regardless of their background or abilities.

The bill proposes several key initiatives to achieve this goal. Firstly, it aims to expand and improve outdoor recreational infrastructure, such as parks, trails, and campgrounds, in order to make these spaces more accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes the construction of new facilities and the renovation of existing ones to meet ADA accessibility standards.

Additionally, the Outdoors for All Act seeks to increase funding for outdoor education programs, particularly those that serve underprivileged communities. This includes providing grants to organizations that offer outdoor experiences to children and families who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in such activities. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to protect and preserve public lands and natural resources, ensuring that future generations will have access to these outdoor spaces. This includes measures to address climate change, promote conservation efforts, and support sustainable outdoor recreation practices. Overall, the Outdoors for All Act is aimed at promoting equity and inclusivity in outdoor recreation, while also preserving the natural beauty of our public lands. It represents a bipartisan effort to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors.