Spotlighting the Work to Restore, Connect and Conserve 30 Percent of Lands and Waters by 2030
News and Updates
Secretary Haaland Highlights New Investments in Park Infrastructure, Outdoor Access and a Growing Outdoor Economy in North Carolina
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz visited North Carolina, where they highlighted new investments to create urban parks and trails and upgrade existing park infrastructure. Secretary Haaland also joined Governor Roy Cooper to announce more than $17 million in awards to help build urban parks in the Raleigh area through the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program. During the visit, Secretary Haaland underscored how historic investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and America the Beautiful initiative are helping supercharge the growth of the outdoor economy, as well as advancing the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to ensuring that everyone, no matter their background or zip code, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and the outdoors.
National Parks Contributed Record High $55.6 Billion to U.S. Economy, Supported 415,000 Jobs in 2023
The National Park Service released a new report that finds visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2023 resulted in a record high $55.6 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 415,400 jobs. The report finds that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities around national parks, providing $19.4 billion in labor income. The lodging sector received the highest direct contributions with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs, followed by the restaurant sector with $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs. Strengthening local economies through community led, partnership-driven conservation and increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation is a central focus of the America the Beautiful initiative.
