H.R. 10758: Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act

This bill would create a new Department of Veterans Affairs grant program to help states expand organized outdoor recreation programs for veterans. The goal is to support activities in natural settings that are intended to improve veterans’ mental and physical well-being.

What the program would do

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs would have to set up a grant program for qualifying state agencies that handle veterans’ programs and services. States that receive grants could use the money to:

• Start and run outdoor recreation programs for veterans
• Hire outside providers such as outfitters, guides, nonprofits, or community groups to help run the programs
• Build partnerships to deliver the activities
• Help cover costs that could keep veterans from joining, such as equipment, program fees, and reasonable transportation
• Reach out to veterans to let them know about the programs
• Expand outdoor recreation programs that a state already has
• Coordinate with federal land-management agencies to make it easier to use outdoor spaces for these programs

Federal agencies involved

The bill specifically names agencies the VA should encourage states to work with, including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers. The idea is to help states identify locations and reduce administrative hurdles for organized activities.

Grant application and oversight

To get money, a state agency would have to submit an application that includes:

• A plan for how the funds will be used
• Criteria for choosing partners
• A certification that the program meets standards set by the state
• Methods for collecting participation data

Each approved state entity would be entitled to at least $200,000 per fiscal year, if enough money is appropriated. If more money is available, it would be divided among the approved applicants.

Reporting requirements

States that receive grants would have to report to the VA at least once a year. The reports would include:

• What activities were funded and what partnerships were formed
• How many veterans participated
• How often veterans took part
• Basic demographic information about participants
• Observed changes in well-being, social connection, and physical activity

Definitions and funding

The bill defines an “outdoor recreation program” as a nature-based activity aimed at improving veterans’ mental and physical well-being, including activities that support exercise, peer connection, skill-building, or therapeutic benefits. It can also include adaptive or accessible activities for veterans with disabilities.

The bill authorizes $10 million per year to carry out the program.

Relevant Companies

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