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Outdoor Recreation Industry Applauds Introduction of the America the Beautiful Act

| General Government Relations

On Thursday May 1, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) celebrated the bipartisan introduction of the America the Beautiful Act by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Mark Warner (D-VA). The legislation reauthorizes and strengthens the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), originally established through the Great American Outdoors Act, ensuring continued investments in public lands infrastructure, outdoor access, and the outdoor recreation economy. 

"It is encouraging to see our nation’s policymakers coming together and prioritizing legislation that ensures both local economies and communities alike can reap the benefits of outdoor recreation activities like boating and fishing,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and chief executive officer of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “The America the Beautiful Act would continue the momentum from the past few years of protecting and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities across the country, while maintaining key investments in recreation infrastructure."

“The reintroduction of this critical legislation by Senators Daines, King, Cramer, and Warner comes at a pivotal moment for public lands and outdoor recreation in America. Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund ensures we continue to invest in the health of our public lands and waters, support rural economies, and provide safe, accessible experiences for the millions who rely on the outdoors for their livelihoods and well-being. Since the original Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law during the last Trump Administration, these investments have helped fuel the growth of the outdoor recreation economy which generates $1.2 trillion in economic output and supports over 5 million American jobs. ORR applauds this leadership and stands ready to work with Congress to secure long-term, bipartisan support for our nation’s outdoor infrastructure,” stated Jessica Turner, President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. 

The America the Beautiful Act builds on the legacy of the Great American Outdoors Act by increasing LRF funding to $2 billion annually through 2033, expanding project eligibility across all federal land management agencies, and streamlining implementation for deferred maintenance projects. The bill also emphasizes stakeholder collaboration and transparency by requiring a two-year rolling list of projects, encouraging public-private partnerships, and mandating increased reporting to Congress. 
As one of the few truly bipartisan issues in Washington, investing in outdoor infrastructure unites communities across the political spectrum and supports nearly every American—whether through jobs, small businesses, access to nature, or improved quality of life. It is especially vital to the strength of rural economies and the well-being of gateway communities that rely on healthy public lands.