Program Goals and Benefits The RERC program assists communities in fostering outdoor recreation economies, which can lead to:
- Community revitalization and main street investment
- Job creation and economic diversification
- Improved air and water quality
- Enhanced opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature
Target Communities Special consideration is given to:
- Small towns and rural areas
- Economically disadvantaged communities
- Tribal and Alaskan Native Village communities
- Communities located in the Appalachian region
Planning Process The planning assistance involves:
- Developing a local steering committee
- Partnering with federal agencies and consultants
- Several months of planning calls, a community workshop, and follow-up calls
- Creating a Community Action Plan to outline goals and strategies
Application Information
- Application Deadline: October 16, 2024, 11:59 PM ET
- Number of Communities Selected: Approximately 20-25 in 2024
- Cost to Communities: Minimal to no cost, aside from volunteer/staff time and securing a venue for the workshop
Contact Information For further details or questions, please contact the Agreement Officer, Ryan J. Buck, at culvertaop@dot.gov.
This program does not provide direct funding to communities but offers substantial planning support to aid in the long-term growth of outdoor recreation economies.
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You can view a recording of the webinar here.