A huge win for national park enthusiasts, and the travel and tourism economy at-large, occurred last week with the passage and signing of the Great American Outdoors Act.
The Great American Outdoors Act, a bill roundly supported by both parties, was signed into law on August 4th, 2020. The GAOA funds maintenance projects identified by the National Park Service, U.S Forest Service, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Education.
Additionally, the GAOA will also provide permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) with an emphasis on permanence as this has been an ongoing issue for many years. This fund provides matching grants to state and local governments to acquire and develop public outdoor spaces close to communities.
Millions of Americans and international tourists venture to these landmarks every year to experience our national treasures. These infrastructure updates will not only upgrade the quality of our public lands, but the impacts of this investment, are also a boon to the businesses and communities that depend on this significant and vital aspect of the U.S. economy
The GAOA is a win-win for our society and the environment we are thankful for the American tradition of supporting the preservation and conservation of our public lands!
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
