Rep. Stivers participates in a press conference on the House Triangle before the House voted on the Great American Outdoors Act.

WASHINGTON – Today, the House passed the Senate Amendment to H.R 1957, a bipartisan bill championed by Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH). The Great American Outdoors Act is now headed to the President’s desk for his signature.

This bill builds on years of bipartisan efforts to conserve and utilize America’s natural resources and protect public lands. First, this legislation permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), that was permanently authorized by Congress last year. Second, it establishes the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Fund to begin addressing the approximately $20 billion maintenance backlog across public lands nationwide.

“As an Eagle Scout, I learned about the many physical and mental health benefits the outdoors offers,” said Stivers. “Now, as a Member of Congress, I’m proud to represent some of the greatest places in the country. The overwhelming bicameral, bipartisan passage of this bill is a clear reflection of its importance and the impact that conservation, utilization, and recreation can have on American lands, the American economy, and American communities."

The outdoor recreation industry directly impacts local economies and creates and supports thousands of jobs. In Ohio’s 15^th District alone, $1.27 billion is spent each year on outdoor recreation and thousands of jobs depend on a prosperous outdoor recreation economy. In addition, by addressing the park maintenance backlog, the Great American Outdoors Act could create or support over 100,000 infrastructure-related jobs.

In addition to helping introduce the House version of the Great American Outdoors Act, Stivers has supported several initiatives to promote conservation and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including the Transit to Trails Act, the LWCF Reauthorization and Fairness Act, the John Dingell Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, and the Accelerating Veterans Recovery Outdoors Act.