H.R.187 - Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025; MAPWaters Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 187, the Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 (MAPWaters Act), aims to standardize, consolidate, and publish data related to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways. This involves collaboration among Federal land and water management agencies to ensure compatibility and interoperability of data. The goal is to improve public access to information regarding waterway restrictions, access points, and fishing regulations.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to the digitization and online publication of geographic information system (GIS) data related to Federal waterways. This includes information on waterway restrictions, access points like boat ramps, and fishing regulations. Standardized data will be updated regularly and made available to the public, enhancing recreational opportunities and resource management.
Potential Benefits
- Improved public access to information on Federal waterways.
- Standardized data across different Federal agencies.
- Enhanced recreational opportunities through better awareness of access points and restrictions.
- Potential for better resource management due to improved data collection and dissemination.
- Collaboration with non-Federal entities and experts to improve data quality and accessibility.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with digitizing and maintaining the data.
- Risk of disclosing sensitive information regarding historic or archaeological resources if not properly managed.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the 30-month and 5-year deadlines.
- The exclusion of irrigation canals and flowage easements may limit the scope of the Act.
- The Act does not address the underlying issues that cause waterway restrictions, only the dissemination of information about them.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve public access to recreational resources. By standardizing and publishing data related to Federal waterways, the Act promotes the well-being of citizens who utilize these resources for recreation. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).