WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) Tuesday joined Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, members of the Hoosier delegation, and outdoor recreation industry representatives for a roundtable discussion on how public-private partnerships can boost investment in outdoor tourism and drive growth in American RV and boat manufacturing.
“Northern Indiana is the RV Capital of the World, so Hoosiers know just how vital outdoor recreation is to growing our economy and creating good jobs for American workers,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “This opportunity to boost investment in outdoor tourism through public-private partnerships is a turning point for keeping America’s parks open for business and building even more American-made RVs and boats. I look forward to working with Secretary Zinke to ensure RV and boat manufacturers continue to play a key role in strengthening outdoor recreation and our nation’s economy.”
“Indiana is at the heart and soul of America’s outdoor recreation experience, providing magnificent public lands and lakes and also manufacturing the recreation vehicles we love to use on them,” Secretary Zinke said. “For millions of American families, summer vacation means taking an RV or boat and exploring our lands and waters like the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear, and America’s first national park which is in my neck of the woods, Yellowstone. I’m grateful to Rep. Walorski and Indiana’s Congressional Delegation for helping the President and I highlight Made in America week powered by outdoor recreation.”
BACKGROUND
The event at the Department of Interior featured a roundtable discussion followed by a showcase of American-made outdoor recreation products, including an RV manufactured by Newmar in Nappanee, Ind.
Participants in the discussion on expanding partnerships to improve visitors’ experience on public lands included Secretary Zinke, Congresswoman Walorski, Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Congressman Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and members of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR) such as the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
80 percent of RVs sold in the United States are made in Indiana, and RV manufacturing contributes $26.1 billion to our nation’s economy. Recreational boating contributes $121.5 billion to the economy.
