FLAP Reauthorization Act

Bill Number: S. 4135
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-03-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Last Updated: 2026-04-01T19:14:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The FLAP Reauthorization Act (S. 4135) aims to extend and provide funding for the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), which supports the construction, improvement, and maintenance of roads and bridges that provide access to federal lands, such as national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. This ensures continued safe and efficient transportation to these public areas.

Key Provisions

Authorizes appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund (a federal fund dedicated to highway and road projects, excluding mass transit) for FLAP under section 204 of title 23, United States Code (the federal law governing highways).
Specifies funding levels:
$313,975,000 for fiscal year 2027.
$318,975,000 for fiscal year 2028.
$323,975,000 for fiscal year 2029.
$328,975,000 for fiscal year 2030.
$333,975,000 for fiscal year 2031.
The bill was introduced by Senators Merkley, Sheehy, Wyden, Kelly, Heinrich, and Cortez Masto on March 18, 2026, and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Extends the authorization of FLAP beyond its previous expiration, providing predictable funding for five additional fiscal years (2027–2031).
Increases funding incrementally each year, building on prior authorizations to account for inflation and growing maintenance needs, without altering the program's core structure or eligibility criteria.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Enhances the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) ability to partner with states, tribes, and local governments on road projects, reducing backlog in repairs and improving infrastructure resilience.
Citizens: Improves access for recreation, tourism, and economic activities on federal lands, potentially benefiting rural communities and reducing travel risks on aging roads.
International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though better access to federal lands could indirectly support U.S. tourism and environmental diplomacy by maintaining high-quality public sites.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Agencies: U.S. DOT (including the Federal Highway Administration) and land-managing agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
State and Local Governments: States with significant federal lands (e.g., in the West) and tribal nations, which often collaborate on FLAP projects.
Citizens and Businesses: Recreation users, tourists, local economies reliant on federal lands (e.g., outdoor industries), and transportation-dependent communities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens compliance with existing federal highway laws by ensuring steady funding, potentially avoiding disruptions in ongoing projects; no major new regulations or mandates.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to fund interstate transportation and under the Property Clause to manage federal lands.
Political: Bipartisan sponsorship reflects broad support for infrastructure in rural and public land states; could influence future transportation budgets by setting a precedent for incremental funding increases, amid debates over Highway Trust Fund sustainability.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Cosponsors (5)

Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]

Recent Actions

2026-03-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
2026-03-18: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

FLAP Reauthorization Act — issued 2026-03-18 — PDF (2 pages)