This bill would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a grant program that gives money to State veteran agencies to expand access to structured outdoor recreation programs for veterans that enhance wellness. Covered State entities may use grant funds to develop or run programs, contract with local outfitters or nonprofits, form partnerships, reduce costs for veterans (such as equipment, fees, and transportation), do outreach, expand existing programs, and coordinate with federal land management agencies (National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers). Applications must include a plan for using funds, partner selection criteria, a state certification that programs meet state standards, and methods for collecting participation data. Each approved covered State entity would receive at least $200,000 per fiscal year, subject to availability of appropriations, and the bill authorizes $10,000,000 per fiscal year to carry out the program. Grant recipients must submit annual reports with participation metrics (types of activities, number served, frequency, demographics) and observations (self-reported well-being, social connectedness, physical activity). The bill defines "outdoor recreation program" and "covered State entity."
If you are a veteran: your State's primary veterans agency could get funds to offer more nature-based programs that aim to support mental and physical well-being. Programs might help pay for gear, fees, or travel, and could include adaptive activities for veterans with disabilities. If you work for a State veterans agency, local outfitter, nonprofit, or community recreation provider: your organization could apply to run or partner on programs funded by these grants and would need to collect participation data and submit reports. Federal land agencies named in the bill are identified as partners for coordination and site access.
The bill authorizes $10,000,000 for each fiscal year to the Department of Veterans Affairs to run the grant program. Each covered State entity with an approved application would receive not less than $200,000 for the applicable fiscal year, subject to available appropriations; any additional available funds would be distributed among approved applicants. No publicly available information on the number of awards, total projected annual outlays beyond the authorization, or estimated administrative costs is included in the bill text.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.