COLUMBUS, Ohio — A bipartisan effort is urging Congress to advance the America the Beautiful Act, legislation aimed at renewing a major investment program to repair and maintain public lands, national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other critical outdoor infrastructure across the United States.
The proposed legislation, known as the America the Beautiful Act (S. 1547, H.R. 9250), would extend funding for public land restoration projects while helping preserve national heritage sites as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. Supporters say the measure represents an opportunity to protect outdoor spaces, improve visitor access and safety, and strengthen local economies that rely on tourism and recreational activity.
The bill has received bipartisan backing from members of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, reflecting broad agreement that maintaining public lands is a national priority that extends beyond political differences.
Legacy Restoration Fund Expansion Could Provide Nearly $2 Billion Annually
The America the Beautiful Act builds on the Legacy Restoration Fund, which was created through the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020. The fund represented a major investment in repairing aging infrastructure on public lands without relying on taxpayer funding.
During its operation, the Legacy Restoration Fund supported hundreds of projects across all 50 states, including improvements to trails, roads, campgrounds, marinas, visitor centers, and water systems. However, the program expired last year, leading conservation and public land advocates to call for renewed action from Congress.
Supporters argue that extending the fund would provide a meaningful investment in the nation’s outdoor assets during its 250th anniversary celebrations.
In Ohio, several members of the state’s congressional delegation have expressed support for the legislation, including:
- Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH)
- Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH)
- Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH-15)
- Rep. David Taylor (R-OH-2)
- Rep. David Joyce (R-OH-14)
- Rep. Michael Turner (R-OH-10)
- Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH-12)
- Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3)
- Rep. Max Miller (R-OH-7)
- Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9)
- Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH-6)
If enacted, the America the Beautiful Act would extend the Legacy Restoration Fund and provide nearly $2 billion annually to address major infrastructure and maintenance needs nationwide.
Ohio Public Lands Projects Highlight Economic and Environmental Benefits
Supporters of the legislation point to previous restoration projects in Ohio as examples of how federal investments can protect natural resources while supporting communities dependent on travel and tourism.
One major project involved stabilizing the Cuyahoga Riverbank at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Covering more than 33,000 acres of forests, hills, and farmland along the historically polluted Cuyahoga River, the park received a $24.9 million Legacy Restoration Fund investment.
The project focused on stabilizing eight riverbank locations along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Valley Railway, and the connector route to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The work helped repair erosion damage, protect riverside vegetation and wildlife habitat, and reduce emergency maintenance needs and trail closures following major storms.
Another significant project supported by the fund involved Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. The site commemorates those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and celebrates the long-standing peace between the United States, Great Britain, and Canada.
The $28.4 million restoration project addressed structural issues affecting the memorial’s upper plaza. Improvements included repairing the structure beneath the plaza, preventing water damage, waterproofing walls, reducing condensation concerns, installing fire protection and security systems, and improving accessibility and compliance with modern safety standards.
Lawmakers and Advocates Push for Continued Investment
Advocates for the America the Beautiful Act say continued investment in public lands is essential for protecting historic sites, preserving ecological resources, and maintaining infrastructure used by millions of visitors each year.
The legislation’s supporters believe renewed funding would provide long-term benefits for communities across the country by improving recreational destinations, supporting tourism-related businesses, and ensuring that public lands remain accessible for future generations.
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