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Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act
2/5/2024, 11:45 AM
Summary of Bill HR 3200
The bill aims to improve access to outdoor recreation for residents and visitors in these gateway communities by providing funding for infrastructure projects such as trails, campgrounds, and visitor centers. It also seeks to promote sustainable tourism and economic development in these areas by supporting local businesses and preserving the natural environment.
Additionally, the Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act includes provisions for the conservation and protection of wildlife habitats and cultural resources in and around these public lands. It also encourages collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as private organizations, to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. Overall, this bill is designed to support the growth and sustainability of gateway communities near national parks and public lands, while also preserving the natural beauty and resources of these areas for future generations.
Congressional Summary of HR 3200
Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act
This bill directs the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to carry out activities to enhance recreational opportunities for gateway communities and provides for the establishment of a digital National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
Gateway community means a community that serves as an entry point or is adjacent to a recreation destination at which there is consistently high seasonal or year-round visitation.
Specifically, Interior and the Forest Service must collaborate with relevant stakeholders to identify needs and economic impacts in gateway communities, including
- housing shortages,
- demands on existing municipal infrastructure,
- accommodation and management of sustainable visitation, and
- the expansion and diversification of visitor experiences by bolstering visitation at certain nearby underutilized locations or lesser-known recreation sites.
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service shall provide to businesses in gateway communities assistance to establish, operate, or expand infrastructure to accommodate and manage sustainable visitation.
Before taking action that will reduce access to a national park (excluding actions due to incident specific events that present a health and safety risk), the office of the superintendent of the affected park must conduct public meetings, consult local stakeholders, and provide an opportunity for public comments.
Interior and the Forest Service must (1) establish a single visitation data reporting system to report accurate annual visitation data, and (2) carry out a Real-time Data Pilot Program.
