CORA submitted testimony in support of increased funding for Recreational Trails and State Parks in the State’s 2022-2023 budget. Key items include:
$2.5 million increase in the Passport to the Parks Fund each year for State Park operations, and $41 million in 2022 and $44 million in 2023 for State Park infrastructure improvements.
$10 million each year for the Recreation & Natural Heritage Trust to add land to State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas.
$3 million to revive the Recreational Trails & Greenways matching grant program (though applications continue to far exceed even those funds).
Testimony from board members Christine D’Andrea and Neil Johnson focused on how trails and parks support conservation, public health, and economic development. Access to outdoor recreation enables individuals of diverse backgrounds to experience nature, improve their physical and mental health, and - especially during the pandemic - safely connect with others. During the pandemic the Connecticut Trail Census reported a 38% increase in trail use from 2019 to 2020, and the State Department of Energy & Environmental Protection reported increases in park visitations, boating certificates, and fishing licenses.
Their testimony also emphasized how in general outdoor recreation amenities attract families and businesses, create healthy communities, and foster a high quality of life. In every corner of the state individuals who visit recreation sites often also visit nearby restaurants, breweries, stores, and service stations. Overall, outdoor recreation in 2020 contributed $3.3 billion to Connecticut’s GDP, $1.9 billion in wages and salaries, and over 41,000 jobs (US Dept of Commerce: ORSA).