Lawmakers OK Utah outdoor recreation office

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – The Utah House has advanced Gov. Gary Herbert’s plan to create a state office dedicated to outdoor recreation.

Its duties would include setting the state’s outdoors policy and improving recreation activities. The office would also be tasked with promoting Utah’s outdoor opportunities and attracting the outdoors industry to the state.

Herbert unveiled his vision for the office in January.

Sales of outdoor products and sporting goods bring $5.8 billion to Utah’s economy every year and $60 million in state and local sales taxes.

The House approved the measure on a 60-10 vote Wednesday. It now heads to the governor’s desk.

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