Outdoor Recreation Roundtable released the following statement after Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s announcement of $245 million in funding for the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation and additional outdoor recreation infrastructure. 

“Governor Northam’s announcement of $245 million in funding for outdoor recreation is welcome news for the outdoor industry sector, the state of Virginia and all Virginians,” said Jessica (Wahl) Turner, president of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “The outdoor recreation economy pays huge dividends to Virginia’s economy, to the tune of $8 billion each year. With this additional investment in programs for trails, state parks and the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation – headed by Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Economic Development Cassidy Rasnick – Virginia will be able to promote outdoor recreation, develop partnerships, and create and improve recreation infrastructure. ORR thanks Governor Northam for his commitment to outdoor recreation and our growing industry. We look forward to continuing to work with the state on moving forward.”