Outdoor recreation is 2.2% of U.S. GDP.
Fixing recreation infrastructure isn't just critical to boaters, it's critical to the U.S. economy.


Outdoor recreation is a substantial and growing part of the United States economy.
Much of America’s recreational infrastructure is associated with revenue streams – including fishing and hunting licensing, recreation permits and registration fees, and excise and fuel taxes – yet many high-use, revenue generating recreation assets, such as campgrounds and boat ramps, are worn out or desperately in need of renovation and expansion.
While some marinas and boat launch ramps are being modernized, many across the country countine to deteriorate.
Take a look at sites across the country, and see where people are struggling to get on the water.
What is the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund?
Connecting the recreational boating industry directly to their legislators is one way that we are able to keep our issues front and center. When we gathered leaders in Washington state for a townhall with Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), infrastructure and access was front and center.
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One Pager: New Hampshire Commission's Report on Wake Boats
[134.99 Kb] A study on the effects of wake boats in New Hampshire confirmed what the recreational boating community has continually advocated for: Education is the key to safe and responsible boating.
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One Pager: Support the SHORE Act of 2020
[271.15 Kb] The bipartisan Safer Harbors for Our Recreation Economy (SHORE) Act of 2020 will ensure recreation-based water infrastructure projects across the country receive the funding they need and deserve.
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Overview: Boating Industry WRDA Priorities
[244.99 Kb] To support the recreational boating economy, the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) 2020 reauthorization should address aquatic invasive species, mpacts of climate change to coastal economies and more.
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Overview: Outdoor Recreation Needs Modernized Infrastructure
[456.11 Kb] Any major federal infrastructure measure must include a “Recreation Title” that addresses green and blue infrastructure needs.
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Overview: Maintaining our Federal Harbors and Waterways
[418.03 Kb] Congress created the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) in 1985 to pay for operations and maintenance costs of all federal ports and harbors.
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America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 Factsheet
[157.3 Kb]
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Letter of Support | WRDA 2020
[124.8 Kb] NMMA submits letter to Congressional leadership in support of Water Resources Development Act of 2020 proposals.
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Recreational Boating Industry Supported WRDA20 Provisions
[86.95 Kb] The recreational boating industries priorities from improving federal efforts to combat aquatic invasive species, to improving recreational access, and much more.
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NMMA EPW Policy Recommendations
[101.11 Kb]
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NMMA WRDA Policy Recommendations
[128.35 Kb]
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NMMA Letter of Support, SHORE ACT
[70.07 Kb]
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NMMA Comments on GA Anchoring and Pump-Out Reg Changes
[435.67 Kb]
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NMMA Letter of Support HMTF Full Utilization
[86.08 Kb]
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NMMA Letter ENR March 14 Recreation Hearing
[111.98 Kb]
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NMMA 2019 Infrastructure Priorities Letter to Congress
[158.82 Kb]
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NMMA FY2020 Appropriations Requests Letter
[239.87 Kb]
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NMMA HMTF Hearing Letter_041019
[72.4 Kb]
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NMMA OR SB47 Support Letter W&M
[372.67 Kb]
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.PDF: Coalition Letter
[186.8 Kb]