Bipartisan Support Grows for Continuation of National Park Funding
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has recently applauded the reintroduction of a significant legislative bill aimed at extending vital maintenance funding for national parks and public lands throughout the United States. Named the America the Beautiful Act, this bill was brought forth by a bipartisan coalition of U.S. Senators including Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Mark Warner (D-VA). The bill proposes a substantial injection of $11.2 billion over the next eight years to address urgent maintenance needs in the national parks, which include deteriorating roads, crumbling infrastructures, and outdated water systems.
For many years, NPCA and countless park advocates have campaigned for increased funding to rectify the issues plaguing our cherished natural treasures. This renewed effort marks a positive turning point and highlights the importance of bipartisan support for the preservation of our national heritage.
In 2020, supporters of national parks experienced a major victory with the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. This landmark legislation represented the most significant investment in national parks in over five decades. Through this act, up to $6.65 billion was allocated over five years, facilitating more than 560 crucial maintenance and repair projects across the National Park System. Notable accomplishments include upgrading failing water systems at the Grand Canyon, restoring historic structures at Hot Springs, reinforcing the Laurel Fork Bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and enhancing campgrounds at renowned locations such as Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, and Mount Rainier. The funding has not only ensured the upkeep of these invaluable sites but has also generated an impressive economic impact, with over $8 billion in economic output and the creation of more than 72,500 jobs, frequently benefiting local contractors.
With the Great American Outdoors Act’s funding set to conclude this year, the introduction of the America the Beautiful Act is viewed as an essential step to maintain momentum in confronting the significant deferred maintenance backlog that has accumulated to over $23 billion. It is critical that we secure continuous federal funding to ensure these natural landscapes remain accessible and well-kept for future generations.
Moreover, the call for dedicated federal funding comes amidst alarming reports of staffing reductions within the National Park Service. With an estimated loss of approximately 2,500 employees—around 12.5% of its workforce—since earlier this year, those remaining are increasingly burdened with the task of maintaining park safety and conducting necessary repairs. The ability to sustain and enhance our national parks hinges on not just financial investments, but also on having adequate staffing levels to enforce those initiatives effectively.
Theresa Pierno, the President and CEO of NPCA, emphasized the urgency of bipartisan congressional support in pushing this bill forward. She stated, "Almost five years ago, a bold promise was made to invest in our national parks. The success of the Great American Outdoors Act demonstrated that when we invest in our parks, communities thrive, and critical repair projects can finally be executed." She continued to express gratitude towards senators supporting the reinstatement of funding, highlighting that without it, the hard-earned progress could easily regress.
The NPCA stands ready to collaborate with Congress to ensure continued investment in our national parks, aiming to address ongoing repairs and build a legacy that honors these treasured locations. Sound maintenance funding is not merely a budgetary concern; it reflects the commitment to uphold the shared heritage of our natural landscapes, promising enduring access for all Americans who cherish and rely on these national treasures. As we work to preserve and enhance the experience in these vast natural spaces, it is imperative that lawmakers maintain attention towards both infrastructure needs and the workforce behind those efforts.
For many years, NPCA and countless park advocates have campaigned for increased funding to rectify the issues plaguing our cherished natural treasures. This renewed effort marks a positive turning point and highlights the importance of bipartisan support for the preservation of our national heritage.
In 2020, supporters of national parks experienced a major victory with the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. This landmark legislation represented the most significant investment in national parks in over five decades. Through this act, up to $6.65 billion was allocated over five years, facilitating more than 560 crucial maintenance and repair projects across the National Park System. Notable accomplishments include upgrading failing water systems at the Grand Canyon, restoring historic structures at Hot Springs, reinforcing the Laurel Fork Bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and enhancing campgrounds at renowned locations such as Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, and Mount Rainier. The funding has not only ensured the upkeep of these invaluable sites but has also generated an impressive economic impact, with over $8 billion in economic output and the creation of more than 72,500 jobs, frequently benefiting local contractors.
With the Great American Outdoors Act’s funding set to conclude this year, the introduction of the America the Beautiful Act is viewed as an essential step to maintain momentum in confronting the significant deferred maintenance backlog that has accumulated to over $23 billion. It is critical that we secure continuous federal funding to ensure these natural landscapes remain accessible and well-kept for future generations.
Moreover, the call for dedicated federal funding comes amidst alarming reports of staffing reductions within the National Park Service. With an estimated loss of approximately 2,500 employees—around 12.5% of its workforce—since earlier this year, those remaining are increasingly burdened with the task of maintaining park safety and conducting necessary repairs. The ability to sustain and enhance our national parks hinges on not just financial investments, but also on having adequate staffing levels to enforce those initiatives effectively.
Theresa Pierno, the President and CEO of NPCA, emphasized the urgency of bipartisan congressional support in pushing this bill forward. She stated, "Almost five years ago, a bold promise was made to invest in our national parks. The success of the Great American Outdoors Act demonstrated that when we invest in our parks, communities thrive, and critical repair projects can finally be executed." She continued to express gratitude towards senators supporting the reinstatement of funding, highlighting that without it, the hard-earned progress could easily regress.
The NPCA stands ready to collaborate with Congress to ensure continued investment in our national parks, aiming to address ongoing repairs and build a legacy that honors these treasured locations. Sound maintenance funding is not merely a budgetary concern; it reflects the commitment to uphold the shared heritage of our natural landscapes, promising enduring access for all Americans who cherish and rely on these national treasures. As we work to preserve and enhance the experience in these vast natural spaces, it is imperative that lawmakers maintain attention towards both infrastructure needs and the workforce behind those efforts.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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