What This Bill Does
This bill would require the Secretary of the Army to make sure any final recommendation for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resources project includes a plan to preserve equivalent access to existing public recreational amenities. In practical terms, if a dam, levee, shoreline, or related project affects parks, trails, boat launches, fishing access, or similar features, the project plan would have to account for how the public will still reach comparable recreation opportunities. The measure primarily affects communities near Corps projects, local governments, recreation users, and project planners. It does not set a funding amount; instead, it changes the planning requirements tied to Corps recommendations.
- Requires the Army to include an access-maintenance plan in final Corps project recommendations.
- Applies to water resources development projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Focuses on keeping access to existing public recreational amenities at or near project sites.
- Does not establish a grant program or direct payment amount; it changes project planning requirements.
Who This Bill Affects
If you use Corps-managed lakes, rivers, shorelines, or recreation areas, this bill could help preserve access to boat ramps, trails, picnic areas, and other amenities when a federal water project is built or modified nearby. The main effect is not a direct payment or benefit check; it is a planning requirement that may make sure replacement access is included in project recommendations, which could reduce the chance of losing a local recreation spot entirely.
See how this bill affects you — sign in for a personalized analysisWho Supports & Opposes This
- Local residents who use public lakes, trails, and shorelines They want federal water projects to preserve the everyday recreation access that communities depend on. The bill helps ensure that construction or redesign does not leave people with fewer places to boat, fish, walk, or gather.
- County and city officials near Corps projects Local governments often face pressure when federal infrastructure changes affect parks and waterfront access. A required access plan can give them a clearer process for protecting community amenities and reducing backlash from sudden closures or reroutes.
- Outdoor recreation businesses Marinas, bait shops, outfitters, and guides benefit when public access remains stable. Better planning can help protect visitation and local spending tied to nearby recreation sites.
- Federal project managers and engineers Additional access requirements can constrain how a project is designed and executed. They may argue that water-safety, environmental, and cost considerations should remain the primary drivers of final Corps recommendations.
- Taxpayers concerned about project costs Maintaining equivalent access can require redesigns, replacement facilities, or mitigation measures that increase project expenses. Critics may question whether every project should carry those added costs, especially when access changes are temporary or limited.
- Property owners near project sites Some owners may worry that preserving recreation access could lead to more traffic, parking pressure, or public use near their neighborhoods. They may prefer fewer federal mandates that expand or preserve site access.
Key Implications
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““include... a plan to maintain equivalent levels of access””
Final Corps recommendations would need to address how the public will still reach comparable recreation opportunities if existing amenities are affected.
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““existing public recreational amenities””
The protection is tied to current public-use features such as boat launches, trails, shoreline access points, and similar facilities at project locations.
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““water resources development project of the Corps of Engineers””
The requirement applies in the planning of Corps projects, so it can influence design decisions before construction or final approval.
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““final recommendation””
The access plan would be part of the agency’s concluding project recommendation, giving recreation access formal weight in the federal review process.
Latest Status
June 18, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
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Ask AI about this billData sourced from api.congress.gov.