Senate Advances Legislation to Reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund
Image: Annie Spratt
Momentum is building to extend funding for public lands maintenance through the Legacy Restoration Fund, which provides funding for the maintenance backlog on National Parks, National Forests, and other public land. Lawmakers have set an ambitious goal of reauthorizing the fund by America’s 250th anniversary on the Fourth of July.
Today, in a unanimous bipartisan vote, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced an amended version of the America the Beautiful Act, which would extend and strengthen the Legacy Restoration Fund. The bill would invest $9.5 billion over five years to address long-overdue maintenance needs across national parks and public lands, including trails, roads, campgrounds, visitor facilities, and other critical infrastructure that millions of Americans rely on to access and enjoy the outdoors each year.
“The Legacy Restoration Fund has been one of the most successful public lands investments in recent memory, helping address long-standing maintenance needs while improving the visitor experience in parks and public lands across the country,” said Louis Geltman, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs at Outdoor Alliance. “As more Americans get outside and visit their public lands, continued investment in recreation infrastructure and stewardship is essential. We are grateful to Senators Mike Lee, Martin Heinrich, Steve Daines, and Angus King for their leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation and for their continued commitment to ensuring that America's parks and public lands remain accessible, well-maintained, and ready to serve future generations.”
The Legacy Restoration Fund expired in September 2025, leaving behind a growing $41 billion maintenance backlog. As recreation grows, resources like the Legacy Restoration Fund are increasingly important for keeping public lands accessible, sustainable, and well maintained.
The bill now moves to the full Senate, where it may see a vote as soon as next week. Though there is momentum for the bill in Congress, lawmakers need to hear from voters that funding is a priority. Back in 2020, when the Great American Outdoors Act established the Legacy Restoration Fund, the voices of the outdoor community were critical in getting the bill passed. Once again, it is a moment for recreationists to speak up to defend public lands.