During an event in Connellsville today, Governor Shapiro announced the launching of a new office of Outdoor Recreation in the state of Pennsylvania.
"Our state parks and outdoor recreation industry are key to Pennsylvania's economy - hosting nearly 40 million visitors each year and boosting local businesses and the local economy in and around our parks," Governor Josh Shapiro said. "When we invest real money to make our natural resources more accessible for Pennsylvanians, it helps communities and businesses grow and thrive. The budget that I recently signed delivers on the promise of a new Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation to strengthen our communities and grow the Commonwealth's outdoor economy."
Shapiro was joined by director Dr. Nathan Reigner to launch the new office.
"[We want] to focus on this industry and connect our agencies within government together critically to connect those agencies with outdoor businesses, with economic developers, with communities seeking to leverage outdoor recreation for their prosperity in the community" said Dr. Reigner to the audience in attendance.
40 million people visit PA's state parks annually which helps deal a major boost to the local and state economy across Pennsylvania.
The office will connect state agencies like the Department of Conversation and Natural Resources with businesses and communities looking to profit from the people that utilize Pennsylvania's state parks. There is approximately 300,000 acres across the 124 state parks.
Governor Josh Shapiro explains why they made the announcement on the shore of the Youghiogheny River.
"We wanted to specifically be here in Connellsville because this is a great example of how it all comes together. How outdoor recreation can lift up a community and create jobs and economic opportunity. It's also just fun."
The Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation will be focused on growing the state's outdoor sector, which adds $14 billion to Pennsylvania's economy and accounts for 152,000 jobs.
