S.811 - RTP Full Funding Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The RTP Full Funding Act of 2025 aims to increase funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by ensuring that a greater proportion of fuel taxes collected from non-highway recreation is allocated to the program. The bill directs the Federal Highway Administration to provide Congress with an accurate estimate of non-highway fuel taxes collected. This would happen at least one year before the expiration of funding for federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs.
The bill seeks to enhance trail infrastructure and support various recreational activities. It also aims to ensure that the RTP is carried out through existing Transportation Alternatives Program funding without negatively impacting other federal highway programs.
Ultimately, the goal is to align RTP funding with the tax contributions from non-highway vehicle recreation, thereby boosting recreational opportunities and infrastructure development.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the RTP Full Funding Act of 2025 would likely lead to increased investment in recreational trail infrastructure across the United States. This would result in improved trail maintenance and development, benefiting a wide range of recreational users.
Additionally, the act could prompt a more accurate accounting of fuel taxes collected from non-highway recreation, potentially influencing future funding allocations for transportation and recreation programs.
It could also lead to increased recreational opportunities and enhanced public land access.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced recreational trail infrastructure across the United States.
- Increased opportunities for outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, bicycling, and off-road vehicle use.
- Improved public land access and enjoyment for diverse trail users.
- Potential for economic development through increased tourism and recreation-related spending.
- More equitable distribution of fuel tax revenue to support recreational trails.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on the Transportation Alternatives Program if RTP funding is increased without additional resources.
- Possible impacts on other federal highway programs if funding priorities shift significantly.
- The need for accurate and potentially costly assessments of non-highway fuel taxes collected.
- Risk of disproportionate benefits to specific recreational user groups over others.
- Potential for increased environmental impact if trail development is not carefully managed.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the well-being of citizens through enhanced recreational opportunities and infrastructure. The Commerce Clause could also be relevant, as recreational activities and related industries often involve interstate commerce. However, the bill does not directly implicate any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Congress's power to tax and allocate funds for specific purposes is well-established, and the bill falls within this purview. The requirement for the Federal Highway Administration to provide an accurate estimate of non-highway fuel taxes collected could be seen as an exercise of Congress's oversight authority.
Overall, the bill seems to operate within the bounds of constitutional authority, focusing on promoting public welfare through infrastructure development and recreational opportunities.
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).