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President Biden Signs Rep. Schrier’s Legacy Roads and Trails Bill into Law

November 15, 2021

This is Rep. Schrier’s 11th bill to be signed into law

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined President Joe Biden for the signing of the bipartisanInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in the Rose Garden today. Included in the IIJA was Rep. Schrier's 11th bill to be signed into law, the Legacy Roads and Trails Act. The Legacy Roads and Trails Act was introduced by U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) on Earth Day this year.

"I'm thrilled that the Legacy Roads and Trails Act has been signed into law, and it was an honor to join President Biden for the signing ceremony," said Rep. Schrier. "In Washington state, the Legacy Roads and Trails (LRT) program has been particularly impactful, facilitating hundreds of culvert repairs for fish passage—including salmon. Headwaters located in national forests are critical to salmon populations downstream. Chronic underfunding has left a long backlog of projects so I am glad that this legislation will provide significant funding to this important program."

LRT projects include repairing roads and trails used for public access, replacing failed or undersized culverts to reconnect fish habitat, and storm proofing or reclaiming roads to prevent sediment pollution from entering waterways important for salmon, trout, and drinking water. Few programs deliver such environmental, recreational, and economic benefits.

The IIJA authorizes $250 million for the Legacy Roads and Trails program. Specifically, the funding will be used for:

  • Carrying out critical deferred maintenance, urgent repairs, road and trail relocation, and associated activities on National Forest System roads, trails, and bridges
  • Restoring passages for fish and other aquatic species by removing or replacing unnatural barriers
  • Decommissioning unneeded roads or converting them into National Forest System trails
  • Prioritizing projects that protect or restore
    • water quality and watershed function;
    • a watershed that supplies a public drinking water system; or
    • the habitat of a threatened, endangered, or sensitive fish or wildlife species.