Public Access Protection Act

The Public Access Protection Act aims to safeguard public recreational access during the construction of water resources development projects by the Corps of Engineers. It establishes a Sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Army should maintain equivalent recreational access, minimize temporary disruptions, and provide alternative access when necessary for amenities like parks, trails, and waterways. The bill mandates that the Secretary, in carrying out feasibility studies, must review the potential impact of construction on existing public recreational amenities, such as those for hiking, biking, and waterborne recreation. Crucially, any final recommendation for a project must include a detailed plan to maintain an equivalent level of access to these amenities throughout the construction period, ensuring continued public recreational opportunities.