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The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is applauding strong bipartisan momentum behind the America the Beautiful Act (H.R. 9250/S. 1547) following unanimous approval by both the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. With the legislation now advancing through Congress, lawmakers are working toward final passage before the July 4 recess.

The recreational boating community is encouraged to sign on to a letter spearheaded by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. The letter expresses support for the America the Beautiful Act and encourages lawmakers to pass it in the coming weeks. Read the full letter here.

Recreational marine manufacturers, boaters, and stakeholders can sign the letter here.

The America the Beautiful Act would reauthorize and strengthen the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (Legacy Restoration Fund), originally established through the Great American Outdoors Act, ensuring continued investment in the public lands, waterways, recreation infrastructure and access points that millions of Americans rely on each year.

NMMA joined the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, American Sportfishing Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, National Deer Association and dozens of organizations from across the outdoor recreation community in signing multiple coalition letters urging congressional leadership to swiftly pass the legislation.

The letters emphasized that reauthorizing and strengthening the Legacy Restoration Fund represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce deferred maintenance, modernize recreation infrastructure, improve public access, and strengthen the outdoor recreation economy ahead of America's 250th anniversary.

For recreational boating, the legislation is particularly significant. Boat launches, marinas, docks, roads and other public access infrastructure serve as the front door to America's waterways. Continued investment in these facilities helps ensure families can get on the water safely while supporting tourism, conservation, rural communities and American manufacturing.

"America's public lands and waters are among our nation's greatest assets," said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. "For the recreational boating and fishing community, access depends on well-maintained boat ramps, marinas, docks, roads, visitor facilities, and waterways that connect families to the water and support communities across the country. Reauthorizing and strengthening the Legacy Restoration Fund should be a must-pass priority for Congress this year. This is an investment in participation, local economies, small businesses, American jobs, and the outdoor experiences that help define who we are as a nation. As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Congress has a clear opportunity to deliver a lasting win for public lands and waters, for outdoor recreation, and for the millions of Americans who depend on them."Sin

ce its creation in 2020, the Legacy Restoration Fund has supported nearly 400 projects across all 50 states, helping repair roads, trails, campgrounds, water infrastructure and boating access facilities. The program has also helped address critical deferred maintenance needs across federal public lands and waters. However, with an estimated $40 billion maintenance backlog remaining, continued investment remains essential to ensuring Americans can safely access and enjoy the nation's outdoor recreation opportunities.

NMMA thanks Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) and the bipartisan coalition of lawmakers leading this effort. NMMA also appreciates the leadership of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and the broad coalition of conservation, recreation and industry organizations working together to advance this important legislation.

NMMA will continue working alongside Congress and coalition partners to secure final passage of the America the Beautiful Act and advance policies that strengthen access to America's public waters, invest in recreation infrastructure, and support the continued growth of the nation's uniquely American recreational boating industry.