Should Congress spend $1 million to complete the Continental Divide Scenic Trail?
This bill addresses the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which extends from the Montana-Canada border to the New Mexico-Mexico border. No later than November 10, 2028, the Forest Service shall substantially complete the land acquisition program necessary to ensure the completion of the trail. This bill would cost $1 million over the 2022-2027 period. In carrying out the completion of the land acquisition program, the Forest Service, in coordination with the Department of the Interior, shall establish a joint Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land acquisition team. This team shall work in coordination with the trail's administrator to facilitate the completion and optimization of the trail.
Sponsor: Representative Joe Neguse (Democrat, Colorado, District 2)
View full bill text ➔
How do you feel?
Oppose
Support
Opponents say
• "Committee Republicans support completion of the CDNST but oppose unnecessary new reports, duplicative administrative processes, and new legislation that pressures land management agencies to create willing sellers out of private landowners. If the Committee Majority wants to aid the land management agencies in completing trails, they could instead look at ways to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act environmental review process, rather than advancing superfluous legislation. " Source: Representative Bruce Westerman (Republican, Arkansas, District 4)
Proponents say
• "Completing the CDT [Continental Divide Trail] would fulfill a promise that Congress made more than four decades ago, to provide the American people with world-class recreational opportunities spanning the length of the Continental Divide. By expediting completion of the trail and closing existing gaps, we ensure more people can enjoy these beautiful landscapes and we invest in Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy and the mountain towns and businesses that rely on visitors for their livelihoods." Source: Representative Joe Neguse (Democrat, Colorado, District 2)
• "Outdoor recreation also provides over $1 billion in wages and salaries for New Mexicans. From Chama, to Cuba, to Silver City, the expedited completion of the Continental Divide Trail made possible under this bill will provide even more opportunities for people to enjoy the beauty that is New Mexico as we grow our outdoor recreation economy." Source: Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, New Mexico, District 3)
