The Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

Puget Sound gets $28 million as part of $8.08 billion in funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Trump administration had wanted to slash EPA's budget to $5.7 billion, in real dollars its lowest spending in 40 years.

Washington Bikes laid out an ambitious legislative agenda at the end of 2017 and we are thrilled to share we experienced success in every category. What this means is: More funding for trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, leading to more connected and safe spaces for people who bike. An update to e-bike laws ensuring that there is clarity around this exciting new technology while breaking down bicycling barriers for new and different types of riders. Lastly, further understanding what bicycling can mean to the local economies of Washington state’s trail communities.

“Three years ago, there was one office; two years ago, there were three offices; and now there are eight offices and a few operating commissions,” says Cailin O’Brien-Feeney, the Outdoor Industry Association’s state and local policy manager. “We’ll see a few more happen this year.” By serving as a leader for interest groups and growing local outdoor recreation economies, state offices of outdoor recreation are turning heads in the industry and beyond.

For WRPA, the 2018 Session ended on a high, most notably with the final-week passage of the Fiscal Year 2018 Supplemental Capital Budget (ESSB 6095). The House approved it last Tuesday on a 96-2 vote, and the Senate made it their last Floor action of the Session, approving it 49-0. It includes a historic level of funding for the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Act (ALEA) and an important outdoor recreation proviso.

The next meeting of the Big Tent will be Thursday March 22, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the board room of the headquarters of Seattle Southside Tourism, located at 3100 S 176th St, SeaTac, WA 98188.