Legislation from Congressman Bill Huizenga is intended to strengthen youth sports programs around the country by helping them acquire new facilities.

Huizenga says his Youth Sports Facilities Act would amend Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act to add youth sports facilities to the list of eligible uses of Economic Development Assistance Grants. The newly available grants could then help spur economic development with the construction of new ballfields and courts, address student mental health issues by giving kids more positive outlets for their emotions, and promote travel and tourism.

Of course, the biggest effect would be the easier development of new sports venues for young people.

Huizenga says, “For too long, an area code has determined whether students could have access to facilities or resources necessary to participate and compete.”

Already, the Youth Sports Facilities Act has received support from organizations like the Michigan Sports Commission, the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, the YMCA, Pop Warner Little Scholars, the West Michigan Sports Commission, and the National Recreation and Parks Association.

The legislation was just introduced this week.