Washington, D.C. – Representatives Heath Shuler and George Radanovich launched a bipartisan Congressional Gateway Communities Caucus, which focuses on towns and counties that border U.S. national parks and other federal lands.
These communities provide important infrastructure and facilities that allow Americans to better enjoy national parks and other federal recreation areas, said Rep. Shuler, D-Waynesville. The federal government needs to work together with these communities when decisions are made about public lands, he said.
“This Caucus seeks to ensure the economic prosperity of thousands of Gateway Communities throughout the nation by closely linking the management of federal lands and waterways with these invaluable communities,” said Rep. Shuler, whose congressional district included the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “Tourism plays a large role in our economy, especially for rural areas that sit close to national parks and forests.”
More than 9 million people last year visited our Great Smoky Mountains National Park, marking it as the most popular national park in the United States, Rep. Shuler said. This generated more than $700 million in revenue last year for the surrounding communities, and supported thousands of hotel, restaurant, recreational and other jobs.
“Creating a stronger bond between federal officials and community leaders will assure that tourism continues to flourish and that public lands remain protected,” Shuler said.
Lyle Laverty, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Gateway Communities praised the two Members of Congress for their commitment to the communities that enhance the value and visitor appeal of our national parks, forests, monuments and waterways. Yosemite National Park lies in the district of Rep. Radanovich, R-Calif.
“We welcome and appreciate Congressman Radanovich and Congressman Shuler’s leadership on this issue,” Laverty said. “We’re confident that this Caucus will help keep members of Congress and their constituents informed and updated on the range of federal issues that are inherent to Gateway Communities.”
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