Katko & Brindisi Recognized for Efforts to Pass the Bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act

Katko: This Law Will Create Economic Opportunities for CNY and Provide Much-Needed Investments in Our Public Lands, Waterways, and Wetlands

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Reps. John Katko (R, NY-24) and Anthony Brindisi (D, NY-22) were recognized today for their efforts to pass the Great American Outdoors Act during a virtual roundtable hosted by the Appalachian Mountain Club and New York conservation groups. Katko and Brindisi joined the roundtable discussion to hear from local groups and talk about the future of conservation efforts in New York State. 

Rep. Katko introduced the Great American Outdoors Act last year, and supported its passage in the House. The bipartisan bill fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at a level of $900 million per year and addresses the approximately $20 billion maintenance backlog on federal public lands. The LWCF is the nation’s principal fund to address conservation and public recreation access, but most of these vital funds have been diverted away from conservation projects for years. The Great American Outdoors Act corrects this misuse of federal dollars.

“It was a pleasure joining Congressman Brindisi, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and local conservation groups to celebrate the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act,” said Rep. Katko. “I was proud to introduce this bipartisan bill and was glad to see it signed into law last month. This bill fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a program that has provided millions of dollars to support local projects, including the Onondaga Lake cleanup effort. This bill will create economic opportunities for our region and provide much-needed investments in our public lands, waterways, and wetlands.”

“Upstate New York is home to some of the greatest outdoor recreation spots in the world. They drive tourism, create good-paying jobs, and are an important part of our economy,” said Rep Brindisi.  “Passing the Great American Outdoors Act was the right thing to do for Upstate New York, and it was great to celebrate this win with our conservation partners today. By taking care of the maintenance backlog and permanently and fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Great American Outdoors Act makes sure our public lands can be enjoyed by all Americans for generations to come. There is still work to be done to keep our landscapes safe and healthy, and I will continue to work with Democrats and Republicans to get the job done.”

New York State has received approximately $350 million in LWCF funding over the past five decades, supporting hundreds of projects across New York State. Outdoor recreation contributes more than $40 billion annually to New York’s state economy and supports more than 300,000 jobs statewide. The Great American Outdoors Act will ensure important repairs, updates, and investments can be made in New York’s public lands and outdoor recreation venues.

“NY State Parks is grateful for the efforts in Congress to strengthen a program that has been so instrumental in shaping parks across New York during the last six decades,” said Erik Kulleseid, NY State Park’s Commissioner. “During that time, more than $270 million in LWCF funding has helped acquire and develop more than a thousand state and municipal parks, great and small, across our state. Some recent projects include a new $3 million bathhouse project at Peerless Pool at Saratoga Springs State Park, as well as new playground equipment at Thacher State Park and new bathrooms at Thompson's Lake State Park. The LWCF program has been underfunded in recent years, and the new Great American Outdoors Act will remedy this, meaning an extra $7.4 million in funding - an increase of 72 percent over this year, for New York's public parks in 2021.”

“Now, perhaps more than ever, Americans are showing how essential it is to be able to access public land and water for both physical and mental health,” said John Judge, President and CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club. “AMC applauds the bipartisan support for the Great American Outdoors Act with leaders on both sides of the aisle, like Congressman Katko and Congressman Brindisi, who have made this victory possible to permanently and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and address the backlog of maintenance on our public lands. As a leader of the national LWCF Coalition, we are grateful for this truly historic action to support our nation’s vibrant recreation economy and local communities, as well as help ensure that everyone will be able to reach a park, forest, or trail near them to enjoy time in the outdoors that is truly restorative.”

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