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Congress·In Committee·10 months ago

America the Beautiful Act Would Boost National Parks Repair Fund to $2B, Extend Program to 2033

Also known as: America the Beautiful Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(3)
Federal Employee
Neutral
Tribal Member
Neutral
Student
Neutral

Key Points

  • Keeps a federal repair fund for parks and other public lands going longer by extending it through 2033.
  • Raises the cap on yearly deposits into the fund from $1.9 billion to $2.0 billion, which could mean more money for fixing roads, buildings, and other worn-out facilities.
  • Pushes agencies to highlight projects that bring in private donations covering at least 15% of the project’s total cost.
  • Makes it easier for the public to donate by requiring clearer donation info, including donation options when buying recreation passes.
  • Adds rules to get rid of unneeded old facilities and requires a report to Congress on repair work done without the fund and plans to prevent future backlogs.
EnvironmentInfrastructure

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
May 1, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

May 1, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After the bill becomes law, as agencies update checkout systems and signage

Donation prompts and information are added at pass checkout and at/near project sites

When you buy a parks or interagency pass online or in person, you may be asked if you want to add a donation to help pay for repairs at federal recreation sites

Starting with the first project cycle after enactment

Agencies begin prioritizing repair projects that have at least 15% of costs covered by donations

Projects with strong fundraising backers may move ahead faster; projects without fundraising partners may wait longer even if they also need repairs

With the next required project list submission after enactment

Annual project lists sent to Congress include the current fiscal year and the next one

The public and local communities may get earlier notice of which repair projects are likely coming next year, which helps planning for travel seasons and local business staffing

No later than 1 year after enactment

A report to Congress is delivered on actions taken (without using the fund) to cut deferred maintenance and a plan to boost regular upkeep

You may see agencies shift toward more routine maintenance (fixing things earlier) so fewer big repairs pile up, potentially improving reliability of facilities over time

Through fiscal year 2033

The repair fund continues to receive deposits through 2033 with a higher annual cap

Over several years, more large repair projects can be scheduled and finished, which can reduce long-running backlogs at federal recreation sites

Related News

3 articles
Politico·7 months ago

Daines eyes Great American Outdoors Act renewal by July

Senator Steve Daines is pushing for the passage of the 'America the Beautiful Act' (S. 1547) by July 2026. The bill would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033 and increase annual funding to $2 billion to address the massive maintenance backlog on public lands.

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Tribune Chronicle·about 1 month ago

Husted among US senators hoping to aid national parks

The America the Beautiful Act would reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033 and increase funding to $2 billion per year. Senator Jon Husted joined the bipartisan effort to address over $40 billion in deferred maintenance across national parks, including sites in Ohio.

CR+
WGY News Radio·3 months ago

Schumer Advocates for Restoration of National Park Funding

Senate Leader Chuck Schumer is advocating for the 'America the Beautiful Act' to renew the Legacy Restoration Fund through 2033. Schumer noted the fund is crucial for addressing $23 billion in deferred maintenance as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

America the Beautiful Act

Bill NumberS 1547
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(43)
D: 21R: 21I: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.