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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE

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ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR

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UTAH

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2019 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Robert M. Spendlove

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Senate Sponsor: Evan J. Vickers

8     Cosponsors:
9     Patrice M. Arent
10     Karen Kwan
Karianne Lisonbee
Derrin R. Owens
Rex P. Shipp

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12     LONG TITLE
13     General Description:
14          This concurrent resolution recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation for Utah.
15     Highlighted Provisions:
16          This bill:
17          ▸     highlights the natural assets and benefits derived from the natural assets in Utah;
18          ▸     recognizes the economic importance of Utah's natural assets to Utah's people; and
19          ▸     expresses the intention to continue the legacy of supporting and growing the broad
20     economic value of Utah's natural assets to benefit the people of Utah.
21     Special Clauses:
22          None
23     

24     Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
25          WHEREAS, Utah's world-famous natural landscapes and unmatched access to diverse
26     outdoor recreation opportunities provide all Utahns with unique and unrivaled natural assets
27     that improve our health, enhance our quality of life, and strengthen our economy;
28          WHEREAS, Utah's beautiful lands, stunning mountains, spectacular canyons, and

29     magnificent waterways are home to 14 ski resorts, world-class backcountry skiing,
30     snowboarding and snowmobiling on The Greatest Snow on Earth, 44 state parks, over 40 blue
31     ribbon fisheries, thousands of miles of trails for hiking, off-road vehicle, mountain bike and
32     equestrian use, numerous fascinating natural areas, prolific dinosaur quarries, eight National
33     Monuments, the planet's finest hang gliding venues, outstanding hunting opportunities, boating
34     on lakes and reservoirs, the largest river rapids in the United States, and America's five most
35     spectacular National Parks;
36          WHEREAS, many of these natural assets are located near urban centers and contribute
37     to the growth of thriving communities and enable all Utahns to find solitude and world class
38     outdoor recreation within convenient travel times and live an active and healthy lifestyle;
39          WHEREAS, these natural assets draw millions of visitors each year from across the
40     nation and around the world who spend over $8 billion in the state, generating $1.25 billion in
41     tax revenue and directly employing some 146,000 Utahns;
42          WHEREAS, outdoor recreation builds Utah's economy in other significant but less
43     well-known ways, including:
44          (1) acting as a critical tool for employee recruitment and retention;
45          (2) driving development and construction in proximity to recreation opportunities;
46          (3) fostering the manufacture of outdoor-related products;
47          (4) attracting telecommuters and retirees; and
48          (5) bringing high-tech and other diverse businesses to Utah that value access to
49     recreation even though they are not in the business of recreation, as reflected in a recent study
50     by Utah Outdoor Partners and the Kem Gardner Institute showing that, for newer, fast-growing
51     businesses, access to outdoor recreation and Utah's outdoor lifestyle were the second and third
52     most important factors in the decision to locate those businesses in Utah;
53          WHEREAS, Utah led the nation in supporting the development of its outdoor economy
54     and outdoor recreation infrastructure through the establishment of the very first state Office of
55     Outdoor Recreation in 2013 and in establishing the Utah Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure
56     Grant that has very successfully leveraged other public and private funding sources; and

57          WHEREAS, the private sector is a key partner in our state's success, and Utah's leaders
58     are committed to responsibly partnering with the business community to ensure that our natural
59     assets can sustain economic growth for years to come:
60          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
61     Governor concurring therein, recognize the significant and broad economic importance of
62     Utah's natural assets to Utah's people, and draws particular attention to the fact that this
63     economic importance flows not only directly from outdoor recreation and tourism but also
64     from other significant sources such as attracting people and businesses who build the state's
65     economy in diverse ways.
66          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and Governor unitedly express the
67     intention to continue the legacy of supporting and growing the broad economic value of Utah's
68     natural assets to benefit the people of Utah.