Panorama of the blue ridge parkway with evergreen covered mountains

Great American Outdoors Act

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA, Act) is a historic investment in the protection and sustainment of our public lands and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded schools. The Act established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) to address overdue maintenance needs. GAOA also permanently authorized funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) — a separate fund aimed at safeguarding our natural areas and cultural heritage.

By addressing the maintenance backlog, we are ensuring that visitors and staff are safe and comfortable as they access our national parks, public lands and roads, national wildlife refuges, and BIE-funded schools. We’re excited about the important work the Interior Department and bureaus are planning and executing through the Great American Outdoors Act. We hope you’ll take the time to explore the projects we have featured on this site to see how this significant legislation is benefiting visitors and their communities across the country.