Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Grants Generate Over $36 Million in Economic Activity Statewide

A new report released this month by the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute and the Center for Business and Economic Analysis at the University of Wyoming reveals the impressive economic impact of the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Grant Program.

The program, which distributed more than $20 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds -- along with an additional $3 million in local matching contributions -- has spurred more than $36 million in economic activity across the state.

The study, conducted in collaboration between the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and WORTH (Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality), shows that these infrastructure investments supported 211 jobs, generated $12.2 million in labor income and contributed $19.8 million to Wyoming’s gross domestic product (GDP). These impacts include both direct construction activity and long-term economic gains from increased outdoor recreation and tourism.

“Wyoming has long been known for its wide-open spaces and outstanding recreation opportunities,” says Dan McCoy, director of UW’s WORTH Institute. “This report confirms that investing in recreation infrastructure is not only good for quality of life, but it is a sound economic strategy.”

Using economic modeling tools IMPLAN and REMI, the report details how trailhead improvements, bike parks and other amenities are already boosting visitation and creating ripple effects throughout the state’s economy. By 2036, permanent impacts are projected to include up to 3.96 new jobs annually, $319,000 in labor income and $653,000 in annual economic output each year.

“Outdoor recreation is one of the cornerstones of the state’s economy. These grants bolster outdoor recreation projects which, in turn, create jobs, stimulate local economies and improve access,” says Mark Tesoro, manager of the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Office. “This report is a clear demonstration of the value outdoor recreation brings to communities across the state.”

The report also highlights the geographic diversity of the grant awards, with funded projects in Albany, Fremont, Laramie, Lincoln, Natrona and Sweetwater counties. From the Pilot Hill trailhead in Laramie to trail and campground improvements on the Wind River Indian Reservation, these investments are making lasting differences in both rural and urban communities, McCoy says.

To view the full economic impact report, visit: https://doi.org/10.15786/wyoscholar/10085.

For more information, call McCoy at (307) 766-5009 or email dmccoy@uwyo.edu, or email Tesoro at mark.tesoro@wyo.gov.