The U.S. Senate has introduced the Great American Outdoors Act, which includes permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a program the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is proud to support. Under this bill, the LWCF will receive $900 million annually. Since the program was signed into law in 1965, 42,000 projects have been funded through the LWCF, according to the NRPA.

 

"The Great American Outdoors Act will provide needed resources to local communities for conservation, parks and recreation," said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. "This legislation is a significant win for our more than 60,000 members and advocates, who work tirelessly to enhance public spaces in urban and rural communities throughout the country."

"NRPA has long supported and championed LWCF state grants, which have been the victim of inconsistent and underfunded budgets for years. We urge the House and Senate to pass this bill to ensure that the LWCF becomes fully funded and therefore can effectively serve communities through parks, outdoor recreation, conservation, and health and wellness," said Stratton.

LWCF was permanently authorized last year, and the Great American Outdoors Act will ensure that $900 million will be dedicated annually to the program.