Public Access Protection Act

This Act may be cited as the Public Access Protection Act.
It is the sense of Congress that, during construction of a water resources development project of the Corps of Engineers that affects a public recreational amenity, including a park, a trail, a green space, a recreational waterway, and any other public open space, the Secretary of the Army should—
maintain an equivalent level of recreational access to such public recreational amenity;
minimize temporary disruptions to such access through project planning and coordination with affected communities; and
provide alternative public access where necessary to ensure continued recreational opportunities for the duration of such construction.
To the maximum extent practicable, in carrying out a feasibility study for a water resources development project of the Corps of Engineers, the Secretary shall—
review the potential impact of construction of the project on existing public recreational amenities, including facilities for hiking, biking, walking, and waterborne recreation; and
include in any final recommendation for such project a plan to maintain an equivalent level of access to such amenities during construction of the project.