USDA Invests $285 Million to Improve National Forest and Grassland Infrastructure

The USDA announced this week it will invest $285 million to help the Forest Service. The hope is the funds will help address deferred maintenance as well as improve transportation and recreation infrastructure on national forests and grasslands. The $285 million investment comes from the newly created National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, established by the Great American Outdoors Act signed into law last year.

The funding allows the Forest Service to implement more than 500 infrastructure improvement projects essential to the continued use of national forests and grasslands. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “these investments will promote public-private partnerships, tourism and recreation, protect public lands, and ensure our national forests are accessible to all.”

Investments in 2021 will improve recreation facilities, visitor centers, dams and trails. Other projects aim to increase public access by restoring and repairing roads, trails, bridges, tunnels and parking areas.

The Great American Outdoors Act authorizes funding under the Legacy Restoration Fund annually through fiscal year 2025.

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