Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little commented today after the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee voted to advance $100 million for outdoor recreation, part of the Governor’s IDAHO FIRST plan.

“I appreciate JFAC for supporting our plan to enhance our abundant outdoor opportunities in Idaho. Getting out to hunt, fish, hike, camp, and play in the outdoors is a big part of the reason we love living here, and it’s a significant driver of our economy, especially in rural Idaho. As our parks system continues to see record visitation, this investment ensures we will meet the growing demand and properly manage our natural resources for future generations. Thank you, JFAC!” Governor Little said.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation will leverage the $100 million to expand capacity and enhance accommodations to keep up with record attendance at the state’s world class parks. The legislation is modeled after President Donald Trump’s Great American Outdoors Act and will be used to take care of our current public lands in addition to a new funding mechanism to responsibly manage and expand access to Idaho’s great outdoors.

Idaho’s 30 state parks averaged 7.4 million visitors in 2020, 2021, and 2022, representing a 27-percent increase over the visitation from the prior five years.

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