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 s 448, 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.

One of the key provisions of the Outdoors for All Act is the establishment of a grant program to fund projects that improve access to outdoor spaces for individuals with disabilities. This could include things like building wheelchair-accessible trails, installing adaptive equipment at campgrounds, or providing training for outdoor recreation staff on how to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Additionally, the bill aims to increase funding for programs that promote outdoor recreation and conservation, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This fund provides money for projects that protect natural areas and improve outdoor recreation opportunities for the public. Overall, the Outdoors for All Act is focused on making sure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they may have. By increasing access to outdoor spaces and promoting inclusive recreational opportunities, this bill seeks to improve the overall health and well-being of all Americans.