#United States #Washington #Workforce Housing #National Park Foundation #National Parks

National Park Foundation Allocates $6.9 Million for Workforce Housing Improvements

The National Park Foundation (NPF) has announced a significant investment of $6.9 million aimed at improving workforce housing across 17 national parks. This funding is designed to facilitate immediate construction projects and long-term planning efforts that will enhance living conditions for the dedicated rangers, staff, volunteers, and partners who serve in America's iconic landscapes.

One of the most pressing challenges facing the National Park System is the scarcity of accessible, affordable, and high-quality housing for its workforce. Insufficient housing options not only impede recruitment and retention efforts but also strain park operations, impacting the overall experience for millions of visitors each year. To address this issue, NPF's funding will empower local park partners to devise flexible and community-specific solutions that best suit their unique environments.

Of the total grant, approximately $5 million will be allocated to nine organizations focused on immediate construction, acquisition, and renovation projects aimed at providing housing for over 50 personnel. The remaining funds will aid in the advanced planning and conceptualization of future housing initiatives. Some noteworthy projects receiving funding include:

• - Gardiner, Montana: The Human Resource Development Council District will reserve eight homes in a new housing development specifically for purchase by National Park Service (NPS) employees. These homes will remain exclusively available to NPS personnel for the next 75 years, promoting long-term affordability and serving as a model for employee home ownership.

• - Little River Canyon National Preserve: Friends of Little River Canyon will initiate the design phase for three duplex units intended for both seasonal and permanent employees. This encompasses site surveys, geotechnical assessments, and a complete architectural and engineering design.

• - Redwood National Park: The Redwood Parks Conservancy plans to collaborate with the Yurok Tribe Construction Company to build a dormitory for seasonal employees and volunteers. This partnership values both local expertise and cultural heritage.

• - Steamtown National Historic Site: Iron Horse Society will evaluate various strategies to expand community-based workforce housing, exploring innovative approaches such as adapting historic rail cars into seasonal micro-housing.

• - Indiana Dunes National Park: Dunes Learning Center will renovate existing in-park lodging for seasonal staff and purchase necessary housing in the local community for supporting partners.

This year's generous investment underscores NPF's ongoing commitment to creating effective workforce housing solutions for the National Park Service. In the previous year, NPF granted over $5.7 million to support 12 projects aimed at enhancing housing options for more than 65 individuals. This includes prior projects like the construction of 70 modular housing units for rangers at Yellowstone National Park and the development of new accommodations for seasonal employees at Acadia National Park.

Jeff Reinbold, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation, stated, "Every national park relies on committed individuals who care for these sites and enhance the experiences for millions of visitors. Ensuring these dedicated people have quality, affordable housing is crucial for strengthening the workforce and preserving parks for future generations." He further emphasized the importance of investing in locally-driven housing solutions.

The ability to implement these housing grants hinges on the generous support from various partners and donors, including Wells Fargo and the Malott Family Foundation, among others.

The National Park Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to protect park lands, preserve history, engage youth, and foster connections between people and the grandeur of national parks. To learn more about NPF's initiatives or to get involved, visit nationalparks.org and follow them on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.