Congress Introduced Legislation to Renew Outdoor Act

The proposed measure aims to extend federal funding for public land maintenance projects for another five years.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in National Parks

Congress Introduced Legislation to Renew Outdoor Act

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Should the federal government increase annual funding for national park maintenance and infrastructure?

Legislators introduced a bill in June 2026 to renew the Great American Outdoors Act, which provides up to $1.9 billion annually for public land infrastructure. The legislation seeks to address a multi-billion-dollar backlog of deferred maintenance across the national park system.

Why it matters

The proposal aims to modernize aging public land infrastructure, with backers projecting that the resulting repairs will generate $26 billion in revenue. This continued investment is intended to resolve long-standing maintenance needs that have accumulated following the expiration of the original 2020 law.

The legislation proposes extending $1.9 billion in annual funding for five years, supported by 260 cosponsors. Montana has already secured $115 million in project funding, while Yellowstone National Park still requires $741 million for roads and housing.

The players

House Committee on Natural Resources

This congressional body oversees federal programs regarding public lands and water and approved the renewal bill in June.

United States Forest Service

This federal agency manages national forests and is designated to receive 15% of the proposed budget under the new legislation.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife

This federal entity works to conserve and protect fish and wildlife and would receive 5% of the allocated funds.

Troy Downing

He is a Representative who conducted a site visit at Yellowstone National Park last month to inspect repair projects.

The details

The new bill allocates 15% of the total budget to the United States Forest Service and 5% to U.S. Fish and Wildlife programs. Over 180 organizations currently support the measure, which proposes new funding mechanisms such as lease sales and fees for foreign visitors.

The original Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law in 2020.
The funding period for the initial law concluded in fiscal 2025.
The House Committee on Natural Resources approved the new legislation in June 2026.
Rep. Troy Downing visited infrastructure projects at Yellowstone National Park last month.
The House plans to consider the legislation for a vote after the midterms.

Travel Outlook

The legislation follows the precedent set by the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, which established the maintenance funding framework this new bill seeks to extend. By securing long-term funding, the bill aims to stabilize infrastructure improvements across the national park system.

Visitors to national parks should anticipate continued construction and road maintenance projects as the backlog of repairs is addressed. These long-term infrastructure investments are designed to improve safety and accessibility for future travelers at major destinations like Yellowstone.

The takeaway

The proposed renewal of the Great American Outdoors Act highlights the necessity of sustained federal investment to maintain the country's extensive natural infrastructure. Travelers can expect ongoing site improvements as parks continue to work through high-cost deferred maintenance projects.