Senate bill extends federal lands repair fund to 2033

What does this do?

This bill extends a federal fund that pays for fixing deteriorating facilities, trails, and infrastructure on national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, BLM lands, and Bureau of Indian Education schools. The fund's deadline would move from 2025 to 2033, and the annual deposit cap would rise from $1.9 billion to $2 billion. The bill also lets people donate to the fund when buying a national parks pass, gives priority to projects with at least 15 percent donor funding, and requires land managers to plan for routine preventive maintenance and report to Congress on reducing repair backlogs.

Who does it affect?

Visitors to federal public lands, the employees who manage those lands, and communities near national parks and forests that rely on tourism and recreation are most directly affected.

Why does it matter?

Without action, the fund was set to expire in 2025, and repair backlogs on public lands would likely continue to grow. Requiring preventive maintenance plans and congressional reporting is intended to slow how quickly those backlogs accumulate.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Annual cap rises from $1.9B to $2B
• Public donations accepted, incl. park pass gifts