Sean McMaster Confirmed as FHWA Administrator
On Sept. 18, in an en bloc vote of 51-47, the U.S. Senate confirmed Sean McMaster as the 22nd Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). McMaster previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao during the first Trump administration, as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs. He also has several years of experience as a senior aide with the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
The FHWA administers the Recreational Trails Program, which has been the primary source of funding for recreational trails across all 50 states and the District of Columbia for more than 25 years. The program operates under the “user-pay, user-benefit” model of the Highway Trust Fund, funded by gas taxes paid by non-highway recreational vehicles. Currently, the RTP receives $84 million each year, but it is estimated that federal gas taxes paid by non-highway recreational vehicles total more than $270 million annually.
As the FHWA Administrator, McMaster is tasked with leading the department’s surface transportation reauthorization efforts, with the next bill due by Oct. 1, 2026.
Interior Secretary Issues Secretarial Order to Strengthen Outdoor Access and Recreation
On Sept. 4, Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued Secretary’s Order 3442, guiding the implementation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, along with a historic $437,377,607 allocation from the program to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Together, these actions reflect President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to expanding outdoor recreation, reducing red tape, and ensuring that America’s public lands serve the American people.
The order aims to coordinate the Department of the Interior’s use of funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, as amended by the Great American Outdoors Act (Pub. L. 116-152), focusing on implementing and executing Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants and acquiring federal lands. It also clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the bureaus and offices within the department to manage outdoor recreation resources effectively.
The funding allocation, which is the largest in LWCF history, will support the development and rehabilitation of parks, conservation areas, and outdoor recreation facilities nationwide. Since 1965, the LWCF State and Local Assistance Program has provided matching grants to state, local, and territorial governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Since its inception, the LWCF has funded over 45,000 projects in every county across the country, supporting local economies, improving public health, and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy America’s natural and cultural treasures.
This year’s total includes:
- $292,197,000 from the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025
- $117,375,000 As public lands, outdoor access, and stewardship face increasing challenges, Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative has exceeded $8 million in donations and grants to support their improvement from qualified revenues pursuant to P.L. 109-432
- $27,805,607 from the Secretary’s Contingency Reserve Fund
Yamaha Issues 500th Award through Its Outdoor Access Initiative
As public lands, outdoor access, and stewardship face increasing scrutiny, Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) has exceeded $8 million in donations and grants to support their enhancement. Launched in 2008, the OAI has funded 550 projects, including expanding OHV access, supporting educational programs for local museums and science centers, trail cleanups, land renewal, fire mitigation, and more. Despite the significant funds already allocated, the initiative continues to progress, as highlighted by this announcement, where Yamaha reminds everyone that they can also apply for an OAI grant.
“The Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative reflects our long-standing commitment to protecting access and promoting responsible recreation across America’s public lands,” stated Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports marketing director, adding, “Crossing the $8 million milestone underscores the tremendous impact made possible by our dealer partners, riding communities, and land stewardship organizations. Each project we support strengthens opportunities for future generations to enjoy safe, sustainable outdoor adventures.”
The Yamaha OAI accepts applications throughout the year and awards funding quarterly, focusing on projects that “promote safe and responsible OHV use, improve and maintain trails, and safeguard long-term public land access,” says the company. The application deadline for Q3 2025 grants was Sept. 30. Public land managers, riding clubs, and outdoor organizations are encouraged to apply at YamahaOAI.com.