On August 4, 2020 President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law, marking the biggest change to American public lands in decades. This legislation, which I sponsored and authored, addresses large deferred maintenance on pubic lands by permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and by using unobligated energy revenues over a five year period.
Over the last two years, Idaho has benefited from GAOA funds that have been used to upgrade our outdoor spaces. For example, the Camas National Wildlife Refuge near Hamer, ID is slated to begin a $7.8 million restoration project. This project will use GAOA funds to rehabilitate the water delivery systems of Camas NWR, improve wildlife habitat, enhance public access to better support visitors with disabilities, and improve roadways to support birdwatchers, photographers and hunters.
In Idaho, we are blessed with amazing public lands. The Great American Outdoors Act will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy them as we have.