[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 163 (Tuesday, November 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 PASSAGE OF H.R. 4665, THE OUTDOOR RECREATION'S ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS 
                                  ACT

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                          HON. J. FRENCH HILL

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2016

  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, as the Natural State, Arkansas's outdoor 
recreation and natural beauty draws millions of visitors each year, 
contributing to our state's economy and supporting thousands of jobs.
   Yesterday, the House passed the Outdoor Recreation's Economic 
Contributions Act, which would result in our Nation measuring the 
economic impact of our outdoor recreation industry, providing Americans 
with important information on this vital part of the U.S. economy.
   This bill would give our federal, state, and local governments the 
ability to more fully analyze the benefits that outdoor recreation 
provides so that we may better support our parks and outdoor areas for 
the enjoyment of all Americans.
   In Arkansas, the Department of Parks and Tourism also provides 
important funding to improve the management and quality of our state's 
outdoor recreation areas through the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program.
   Through important policies and programs on our federal, state, and 
local levels, we can continue to support the great outdoors and 
encourage more Americans to visit and access our country's vast network 
of parks, forests, and trails.

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