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Panel: better transportation can grow Pennsylvania’s outdoor‑recreation economy
Summary
A state and regional panel told the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee that improving transportation linkages — trails, transit, shuttles and private mobility services — can expand access to outdoor recreation and boost local economies, citing a $19 billion outdoor industry and projects linking trails to downtowns and airports.
A panel of state and regional outdoor‑recreation and transportation officials told the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee that stronger transportation connections can help Pennsylvania capture more economic value from outdoor recreation.
Nathan Rigner, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, opened the panel by calling outdoor recreation both a pastime and an industry, saying Pennsylvania’s outdoor economy is "$19,000,000,000" and supports about "168,000 jobs." He framed the hearing as an effort to examine how transportation — from trails to transit to shuttles — contributes to retaining workers, attracting businesses and supporting entrepreneurs.
Alex MacDonald, section chief for trails, greenways and statewide planning at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation, described DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program and trail grant priorities.…
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