National Wildlife Refuge Association Encouraged by House Transportation Bill
House Proposed BUILD America 250 Act includes long-overdue increase for transportation funding that supports the Refuge System
For Immediate Release May 20th, 2026
Contact: Eden Taylor etaylor@refugeassociation.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Wildlife Refuge Association is optimistic about the House version of the BUILD America 250 Act and its inclusion of increased funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System, a bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization proposal introduced this week.
The legislation raises annual Refuge System transportation funding from the current $36 million to $42 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This long-overdue increase is an important step toward addressing roads, bridges, trails, culverts, and visitor access infrastructure that national wildlife refuges depend on to serve both wildlife and people.
“America’s wildlife refuges connect millions of people to the outdoors while supporting local economies and conserving our nation’s fish and wildlife heritage,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “We appreciate the House recognizing the importance of investing in Refuge roads, bridges, visitor access, and infrastructure as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.”
While encouraged by the increase, the Refuge Association noted that the Refuge System still faces substantial unmet transportation and infrastructure needs nationwide and still does not receive annual inflationary increases that the other land management agencies automatically receive. The Refuge Association will continue working with the Senate to strengthen the legislation to move annual funding closer to the $100 million level needed to adequately maintain and improve Refuge System transportation infrastructure and provide annual inflationary increases.
“Demand for outdoor recreation on refuges continues to grow, while infrastructure costs continue to rise,” continued Sorenson-Groves. “A stronger federal investment is necessary to ensure refuges remain accessible, safe, and welcoming for future generations. We also encourage the Senate to include annual inflationary increases for the Refuge System, something all other land management agencies already automatically receive.”
The National Wildlife Refuge System includes more than 570 refuges and 850 million acres of lands and waters dedicated to conserving America’s wildlife and providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation.
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As the only nonprofit solely dedicated to supporting the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that serve the Refuge System and wildlife beyond its boundaries. The organization addresses Refuge System funding, management, and strategic growth, while also promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.
