Rural Outdoor Investment Act

HR 5052, the Rural Outdoor Investment Act, provides federal funding to support outdoor recreation projects in rural communities to spur economic development. It authorizes $30 million annually (2024-2028) for grants to rural areas, plus $5 million and $2.5 million for specific project types, and mandates training programs for small businesses on accessing existing recreation funding. The bill also establishes a "Recreation Economy for Rural Communities" program through the USDA, EPA, and Forest Service to connect rural entities with federal funding opportunities. It requires consultation with six designated regional commissions (like the Appalachian Regional Commission) to ensure tailored support for rural economic growth.