Public Land Search and Rescue Act

The Public Land Search and Rescue Act would create a new grant program funded by the federal government to support remote search and rescue (SAR) on federal lands overseen by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary would establish the program to provide grants to eligible recipients (states or their subdivisions) to acquire equipment, maintain gear, or reimburse remote SAR activities. Grants would cover up to 75% of project costs, with priority given to areas that have a high visitors-to-residents ratio. Eligible uses include equipment purchases, maintenance, and reimbursement for remote SAR operations on federal lands. The act defines key terms and sets up the application process for potential grantees. In short, the bill aims to boost remote SAR capacity on federal lands by sharing costs with state or local governments, prioritizing areas with high tourism, and clarifying what expenses qualify for federal assistance.