Indiana Legislature Supports Establishing Office Of Outdoor Recreation

This week, the RV Industry Association moved closer to achieving the goal of establishing an Office of Outdoor Recreation in Indiana. Through the efforts of the RV industry, and the wider outdoor recreation industry, the Indiana Legislature approved a resolution (Senate Concurrent Resolution #15), which urges the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) to establish an Indiana Office of Outdoor Recreation Development.

The leadership of Indiana Senator Blake Doriot, lead sponsor of the resolution, was integral in these efforts and the RV industry is grateful for his recognition of the importance of growing Indiana’s outdoor recreation economy. The resolution outlines the priorities for the Outdoor Recreation office, including increasing outdoor recreation-based economic development, tourism, and ecotourism; promoting the growth of the outdoor recreation economy; and promoting the health and social benefits of outdoor recreation.

Now that the resolution has passed both chambers, IDDC will consider whether to create the office. Governor Eric Holcomb created the IDDC in October 2019 to enhance economic development, attract new talent to Indiana’s workforce, and enhance the state’s profile as a great destination for visitors. The IDDC is led by Elaine Bedel, the previous president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the state’s lead economic development agency.

“Having worked with Elaine on several RV industry initiatives in the past, including the creation of the RV Technical Institute, I know that her expertise in both public and private sector policymaking will be extremely valuable to the success of this office in growing the outdoor recreation economy in Indiana,” said RV Industry Association Director of Government Affairs Mike Ochs. “We look forward to continuing to work together on this new initiative.”

If Indiana establishes the proposed office, the state would join 17 other states who have established offices of outdoor recreation. The RV Industry Association, along with other members of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, have called for governors in all 50 states to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation.