Welch Announces Federal Study to Quantify Economic Benefits of Outdoor Recreation

Press Release

At Waterfront Park in Burlington this morning, Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce, in response to bipartisan legislation sponsored by Welch, will undertake a comprehensive study to quantify the benefits of outdoor recreation to the U.S. economy.

Welch was joined by Tom Torti, President of the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce, Megan Smith, Commissioner of Vermont Department of Tourism and other travel and tourism industry leaders to highlight the significant economic benefits of outdoor recreation activities to Vermont's economy.

"Vermont has unparalleled natural beauty that provides Vermonters and tourists year-round opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Outdoor recreation boosts the bottom lines of businesses across Vermont and is a key driver of our economy," Rep. Peter Welch said. "Having reliable data that quantifies these benefits is essential so we can better support this vital sector of our economy."

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