Public Access Protection Act
To require the Secretary of the Army to include in any final recommendation for a water resources development project of the Corps of Engineers a plan to maintain equivalent levels of access to existing public recreational amenities, and for other purposes.
The Public Access Protection Act, proposed by Representative Laura Friedman, aims to ensure that any water resources development projects overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers maintain current levels of public access to recreational areas. Specifically, it requires the Secretary of the Army to include a plan for preserving access to existing recreational amenities in any final recommendation for these projects.
This bill would affect people who rely on public recreational areas for activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. By ensuring continued access, it would help maintain the quality of life for these individuals and support local economies that benefit from recreational tourism.
As of June 18, 2026, the bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. No further actions have been taken yet, and the committee will review and potentially make changes to the bill before it moves forward in the legislative process.
