NH Delegation Applaud $2.6M Heading to NH to Preserve Outdoor Spaces & Expand Outdoor Recreation

(Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) welcomed $2,606,771 headed to New Hampshire to support state and local outdoor recreation and conservation projects. The funding comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), of which Senator Shaheen has been a staunch supporter.  

“Our expansive outdoors and recreational activities are at the heart of New Hampshire’s culture and identity. The LWCF is instrumental in preserving our public lands, supporting outdoor recreation economies and creating jobs across our state – that's why for years I’ve fought to protect this program. This funding will make a real difference in revitalizing outdoor spaces and providing new, close-to-home recreational opportunities for generations of Granite Staters to enjoy,” said Senator Shaheen. 

“Granite Staters know how beautiful and precious our state’s natural sites are, from our mountains to the Seacoast,” said Senator Hassan. “Protecting New Hampshire’s natural resources is vital to our culture, economy, and quality of life. That is why I worked to pass the Great American Outdoors Act in 2020 to secure this type of funding for our public parks, and I look forward to seeing how it will support our outdoors for generations to come.” 

“New Hampshire is home to the most beautiful land and exciting outdoor recreation in the country, and it is essential that we protect and preserve it for generations to come,” said Representative Kuster. “This federal funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund represents a long-term investment in our state that will be a boon for our environment, communities, and economy. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this funding and I will continue working to preserve the natural landscape that makes the Granite State such a wonderful place to live and raise a family.”

“New Hampshire’s way of life and local economy is rooted in our natural surroundings, and it’s vital that we protect them,” said Representative Pappas. “Investing in programs like the LWCF preserves our environment, expands access to outdoor spaces, and spurs economic development and job growth. I’m pleased to secure these critical funds to ensure future generations of Granite Staters can enjoy the benefits of our natural environment.”

Since its inception in 1965, the LWCF has funded $5.1 billion to support 45,000 projects in every county in the country. At no cost to taxpayers, the LWCF supports increased public access to and protection for federal public lands and waters — including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and recreation areas. Matching grants are provided to state governments for the acquisition and development of public parks and other outdoor recreation sites, with the goal of improving the quality of life, health, and vitality of present and future generations.  

The delegation led efforts to help secure full funding and permanent authorization for the LWCF, which has helped protect more than 2.5 million acres of land and supported tens of thousands of state and local outdoor recreation projects throughout the nation. In 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act, cosponsored by the delegation, was signed into law. This bipartisan legislation served to permanently fund the LWCF and provide mandatory funding for deferred maintenance on public lands. 

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