---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 8503"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "8503"
heading: "Partnerships to promote military and veteran recreation"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/8503"
units:
  - "Chapter 103 — Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences"
  - "Subchapter II — Access America"
  - "Part B — Military and Veterans in Parks"
---

# §8503. Partnerships to promote military and veteran recreation

- (a) **In general—** The [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/8401.md?p=8) shall seek to enter into partnerships or agreements with [State](/usc/16/8401.md?p=9), Tribal, local, or private entities with expertise in outdoor recreation, volunteer, accessibility, and health and wellness programs for members of the Armed Forces or veterans.
- (b) **Partnerships—** As part of a partnership or agreement entered into under [subsection (a)](#a), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/8401.md?p=8) may host events on [Federal recreational lands and waters](/usc/16/8401.md?p=2) designed to promote outdoor recreation among members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- (c) **Financial and technical assistance—** Under a partnership or agreement entered into pursuant to [subsection (a)](#a), the [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/8401.md?p=8) may provide financial or technical assistance to the entity with which the respective [Secretary concerned](/usc/16/8401.md?p=8) has entered into the partnership or agreement to assist with—
  - (1) the planning, development, and execution of events, activities, or programs designed to promote outdoor recreation for members of the Armed Forces or veterans; or
  - (2) the [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) of [assistive technology](/usc/16/8471.md?p=3) to facilitate improved outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the Armed Forces or veterans.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 118–234, title II, § 223, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2887.)