The National Marine Manufacturers Association is bringing awareness to a U.S. Senate hearing that discussed a proposed funding cut to the Army Corps of Engineers’ recreation-related budget at a time when usage of facilities has increased.
In hearings last week, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) noted the “incredible surge” in visitation numbers to public recreation facilities and said the Corps of Engineers saw 20 million more visits in 2021 than the 256 million visit in 2020. The New Mexico lawmaker is concerned about any budget cuts at a time when public demand is surging, especially for boating.
In the fiscal 2023 budget, the Biden administration currently proposes a $50 million decrease in funding for the Corps of Engineers’ recreation operations and management.
In its statement this morning, the NMMA said the category is historically underfunded, and the association intends to keep the issue “front and center” at a time when outdoor recreation is growing as a contributor the economy across the nation.
