S. 4197: Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act

This bill, known as the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act, aims to enhance the well-being of veterans through structured outdoor recreation programs. Below are the key components of the bill:

Establishment of a Grant Program

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to set up a program to award grants to certain state entities. The purpose of these grants is to:

• Expand access to structured outdoor recreation programs designed specifically for veterans.

Use of Grant Funds

State entities that receive grants can use the funds for various purposes, including:

• Developing and administering outdoor recreation programs for veterans.
• Contracting with local outfitters, guides, and nonprofit organizations to run these programs.
• Creating partnerships to enhance outdoor programming for veterans.
• Reducing financial barriers for veterans' participation in these programs, such as covering equipment costs, program fees, and transportation expenses.
• Conducting outreach to inform veterans about available programs.
• Expanding existing outdoor recreation programs for veterans within the state.
• Coordinating with federal agencies that manage land relevant to the outdoor programs.

Collaboration and Coordination

The Secretary shall encourage:

• Collaboration among state entities and federal agencies to enhance veterans' access to outdoor spaces, minimize administrative barriers, and identify suitable locations for activities.
• Coordination among state entities to maximize outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans.

Application Requirements

To qualify for a grant, a state entity must submit an application containing:

• A plan outlining how they will manage the grant funds.
• Criteria for selecting partners for the outdoor recreation programs.
• A certification regarding the qualification standards of the programs.
• Methods for data collection related to program participation.

Approval and Funding Amounts

Each approved state entity will receive a grant of at least $200,000 for the fiscal year, subject to the availability of funds. Additional funds may be allocated if available.

Reporting Requirements

Entities receiving grants must submit annual reports to the Secretary, detailing:

• Participation metrics in outdoor programs funded by the grant.
• Types of activities supported, partnerships formed, and demographics of veteran participants.
• Self-reported changes in veterans' well-being, connections to others, and levels of physical activity.

Definitions

Key terms defined in the bill include:

• Outdoor Recreation Program: Activities aimed at improving the mental and physical well-being of veterans.
• Covered State Entity: The primary agency in a state responsible for veterans' programs and services.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $10 million each fiscal year to support the implementation of the program.

Relevant Companies

None found