NEWS RELEASES
Outdoor Recreation Division Signed Into Existence For New Mexico Tourism
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through Santa Fe New Mexican's website.
According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed a bill authorizing the creation of the Outdoor Recreation Division office. An initial request of $200,00 will be given as budget. On April 2, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 462, creating the division within the state’s Economic Development Department, effective July 1.
Santa Fe New Mexican writer Robert Nott relates in his article, "The new office will focus on supporting businesses related to outdoor recreation, marketing the state’s camping, hiking, fishing and hunting offerings, among other activities, and improving roads and trails tied to outdoor experiences." In addition to the $200,000 to employ a director and office manager, the bill also provides $100,000 to the Youth Conservation Corps to pay for infrastructure and trail projects. Another $100,000 was allocated from a separate bill for a grant program so low-income children can participate in outdoor programs. Sen. Jeff Steinborn and the governor agreed that additional funding could be allocated in the future. The governor and some state lawmakers see the action as a way to help diversify the state’s economy by attracting tourists, state residents and people who don’t normally take part in outdoor activities to visit New Mexico’s state parks, rivers, forests and deserts.
For further information on the new piece of legislation, read the full article.