The Great American Outdoors Act is Law, Part II – Episode 074

On our previous episode of Open Space Radio, which was part one
of our Great American Outdoors Act coverage, we spoke with Happy
Haynes, the executive director of Denver Parks and Recreation,
about what the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act meant
for access to quality parks and recreation opportunities in her
city and the country as a whole. On today’s episode — part two of
our coverage — we’ll be speaking with two members of Congress who
played integral roles in getting this historic piece of
legislation passed and subsequently signed into law last
month. 


Today we’re talking with Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico,
who coauthored the Great American Outdoors Act and was part of a
bipartisan group of senators who introduced it in March of this
year, as well as Representative Brian Fitzpatrick of
Pennsylvania, who also played a major role in the passage of this
legislation. As you’ll hear from them in this episode, getting
such strong bipartisan support in Congress on any type of
legislation is a challenge, especially a once-in-a-generation
conversation package like the Great American Outdoors Act. But,
because of the advocacy and outreach from people like you — our
listeners and NRPA members — the Great American Outdoors Act had
support from both sides of the political aisle and is now
officially law.


This landmark legislation also fully funds the Land and Water
Conservation Fund, which is the most important source of federal
funding for park and recreation projects.


Tune in to the full episode to learn:


What local parks Senator Heinrich and Representative
Fitzpatrick visit to get away from the stresses of Washington,
D.C., and their favorite parks when they’re home in New Mexico
and Pennsylvania, respectfully.

Why the Great American Outdoors Act is so important to each
of them personally, as well as what it means for the entire
country.

How the Great American Outdoors Act will benefit out local
parks and ensure everyone has access to public spaces.

What’s next to make sure all people have access to public
parks and recreation, and more!