Youth Sports Facilities Act of 2024

This proposal would change the Public Works and Economic Development Act so youth sports facilities can qualify for certain economic development grants. The goal is to help communities build or improve places where kids can play sports and be active. It focuses on health, safety, and local jobs—especially in areas that don’t have many resources.

The grants could be used to give kids better access to safe places to play, fight problems linked to sitting too much and obesity, support highly rural areas with limited tax revenue, and boost local economies. It gives priority to children from low‑income families in rural or underserved communities, especially where there are high rates of opioid use disorders or community violence. It also aims to create jobs through the facilities and nearby businesses.

• Who is affected: Children in low‑income, rural, or underserved communities; towns and cities lacking sports facilities; areas facing high opioid use or community violence.
• What changes: Youth sports facilities could qualify for certain federal economic development grants to improve access to recreation, support health, and spur local job growth.
• When: These changes would take effect only if the bill becomes law.