The North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Coalition celebrates the recently enacted state budget, which includes more than $500 million in funding for parks, trails and conservation projects. It also directs the Director of the NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (ORIO) to create a statewide outdoor recreation industry action plan focused on the Confluence of States Four Pillars of Outdoor Recreation.
As part of this new plan, the ORIO Director is tasked with the creation of the first comprehensive mapping tool of all of North Carolina’s outdoor recreation assets.
“We are extremely thankful for the tremendous bipartisan support the coalition received in addressing the industry’s priorities,” said Dave Petri, Board Chair for the NC Outdoor Recreation Coalition. “In particular, we are grateful to Representative Kyle Hall (R-NC) for his leadership and support of our rapidly growing industry. His support was instrumental in funding the state’s outdoor recreation plan.”
During fiscal years 2021 and 2022, the state budget provides:
- $300 million to fund new parks, greenways, and open spaces, which serve as the outdoor industry’s critical infrastructure
- $90 million to the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, which will be split between state and local parks
- $115 million to the Land and Water Fund to support the expansion of parks, game preserves, and nature preserves, as well as stream restoration
- Creation of the Complete the Trails Fund with $29 million in initial funding designated to complete and operate the statewide trail systems
- Creation of two new state park units: The Roanoke River Paddle Trail and the Bakers Lake State Natural Area
Industry leaders across the state are applauding the General Assembly and the Governor’s office for the commitment to North Carolina’s fastest-growing sector.
To learn more about these historic investments, click here.
