Rural Outdoor Investment Act

The Rural Outdoor Investment Act (S 2604) creates federal grants to fund outdoor recreation projects in rural communities, aiming to spur local economic development. It authorizes $30 million annually (2024-2028) for grants under existing programs, plus $12.5 million annually for a new "Recreation Economy for Rural Communities" grant program. The bill also requires training for rural small businesses and communities on accessing existing federal funding for outdoor recreation projects, including business development, infrastructure, and marketing. These provisions directly support rural areas, small businesses, and local planning efforts through targeted financial resources and capacity-building.