Local parks that are struggling due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic would receive a one-time federal infusion of funds under a bipartisan bill cosponsored on March 9 by U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH).
The Parks, Jobs and Equity Act, H.R. 1678, which Rep. Turner introduced with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA), would direct the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to establish a Parks, Jobs, and Equity Program to support job creation, economic revitalization, and park development for communities impacted by COVID-19, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“The Parks, Jobs and Equity Act would provide a historic investment to help local parks recover from the pandemic and retain and create jobs in our communities,” Rep. Turner said on Tuesday. “With coronavirus shutdowns, more than half of our country’s park agencies suffered from budget cuts in 2020.”
If enacted, H.R. 1678 would authorize a $500 million formula state grant program in which grants would be rolled out via the Outdoor Recreational Legacy Partnership Program that Rep. Turner supported in both the 115th and 116th Congresses.
“Now more than ever, we must support our local parks so that they can continue to serve as beloved centers of socially distanced, outdoor activities in our communities,” said the congressman.
According to Rep. Turner’s office, it is estimated that H.R. 1678 would create more than 8,000 jobs, add $1.37 billion to local economies, and fund more than 1,000 new or upgraded local parks, while also preserving 100,000 at-risk local seasonal jobs through investments in recreation services.
A coalition of more than 200 national, regional, and local park and recreation organizations, including the National Parks and Recreation Association, endorsed the bill, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.