S. 4197 — Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act

This section establishes a grant program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs awards grants to covered state entities (i.e., primary state agencies responsible for veterans' programs) to expand access to structured outdoor recreation programs for veterans that enhance wellness (i.e., nature-based activities promoting mental and physical well-being, including adaptive activities for veterans with disabilities). Grant funds may be used to (1) develop and administer such programs; (2) contract with local outfitters, guides, nonprofits, or community providers; (3) develop partnerships; (4) reduce financial barriers such as equipment fees and transportation costs; (5) conduct outreach; (6) expand existing state programs; and (7) coordinate with federal land management agencies including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers. The Secretary must encourage collaboration between grantees and those agencies to expand veteran access to outdoor spaces and reduce barriers, as well as coordination among grantees. Qualifying applications—requiring a fund administration plan, partner selection criteria, state qualification standards certification, and data collection methods—receive at least $200,000 per fiscal year, subject to appropriations, with additional amounts distributed among approved grantees. Grantees must submit annual reports on participation metrics (e.g., activities, veterans served, frequency, demographics) and observations (e.g., self-reported well-being changes, social connectedness, physical activity). $10 million is authorized for each fiscal year.