Have you heard about the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016 (Outdoor REC Act, H.R. 4665)? This bill, passed by the Senate on November 28, aims to add the boating and fishing industries to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product—which could ultimately lead to improvements for boaters.

According to Trade Only Today, BoatUS is working to get the message out that we all stand to gain in boating advocacy, safety, and services if this bill is signed by the president. After all, as BoatUS Government Affairs Manager David Kennedy stated, “If recreational boating, as part of the outdoor industry, has its economic impact measured and highlighted, it could help support funding for improvements in recreational boating…The passage of the act will also help policy-makers at all levels of government understand the importance of the recreational boating and sport fishing industries.”

The American Recreation Coalition reportedly found that outdoor recreation already represents more than six million jobs and $646 billion in economic activity each year. You can read the rest of Trade Only Today’s article here.