# What This Bill Does

This bill makes it easier and cheaper for the federal government to improve public access to recreational areas on federal land—places like national forests, public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and other government-owned outdoor spaces where Americans can hunt, fish, hike, and camp.

Right now, there's a federal program that sets aside money specifically for improving public access to these recreational areas. The bill makes two key changes to this program. First, it increases the percentage of certain federal recreation fees that must go toward access improvements from 3 percent to 10 percent. Second, it raises the annual funding cap from $15 million to $50 million. In practical terms, this means significantly more money will be available each year to build and maintain things like trailheads, parking areas, boat launches, and other infrastructure that helps people actually get to and enjoy public lands.

Who benefits? Hunters, fishers, hikers, campers, and anyone else who enjoys outdoor recreation on federal lands would likely see improvements—better maintained trails, more parking areas, improved access points for fishing and hunting. Rural communities near federal lands might also benefit from increased outdoor recreation activity. The bill doesn't create new fees or increase what people pay; it simply redirects a larger portion of existing recreation fees toward access improvements rather than other uses. Essentially, it's about making sure more of the money already being collected goes directly toward helping people actually get out and enjoy America's public lands.

To amend title 54, United States Code, to increase public access to recreational areas on Federal land.

Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

 <p>This bill increases, of the amounts made available for expenditure in any fiscal year under the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the minimum amounts to be made available for certain recreational public access projects (e.g., certain projects involving access to hunting and fishing). Specifically, the amounts shall be not less than the greater of (1) 10% (rather than 3%) of those amounts, or (2) $50 million (rather than $15 million).</p>