Capito Discusses New River Gorge, Future of Outdoor Recreation at Senate Hearing

Press Release

On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion, participated in a hearing on the state of outdoor tourism, recreation, and ecotourism. During the hearing, Senator Capito highlighted the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Governor Justice offering recreation-based vaccine incentives, and discussed ways to continue driving the outdoor recreation industry for future generations with the panel of witnesses.

HIGHLIGHTS:

ON WEST VIRGINIA'S OUTDOOR RECREATION INDUSTRY DURING THE PANDEMIC: "We have quite an outdoor recreation industry in our state as well. And interestingly, it has just flourished under the pandemic, because of the proximity to the more populated parts of the eastern seaboard, and easy to get there, and a quick drive and spend the day if you didn't want to spend the night, which many of us were thinking about at certain times last year."

ENCOURAGING AND ACCOMODATING THE FUTURE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION: "I think one thing that as we're looking at the future of the outdoor industry, certainly, we have a new national park in West Virginia, we want to make sure that we have the capacities there for parking and to stay overnight, restaurants and all that, that's new for us. But as I think about how this pandemic has really hit us and more families traveling together maybe for short-term trips, I think it's inspiring that next generation to outdoor recreation. I'm curious to know of our panelists and I'd be happy to hear from all of you, what focus you're placing on that next generation, whether it's a sports fisherman or woman, to inspire them to go outside and enjoy as we have over the pandemic. Is this something that you all thought about? What kind of programs are you aiming to that next generation?"

ON GOVERNOR JUSTICE'S VACCINE INCENTIVES: "I would note that our governor, in an effort to get the remaining West Virginians that have not taken up the vaccination, is offering free fishing licenses as an incentive…I know that it's a popular thing in our state. I think it's a good idea….Of course he's got some trucks going, and a million dollar lottery, and a whole bunch of other things, but he does have the free fishing license so a shout out to Governor Justice."

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