Bill to Extend Vital National Park Maintenance and Restoration Program Heads to Senate Floor
Jared Herr, jherr@battlefields.org
(Washington, D.C.) — Bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the most effective federal investment in National Park site infrastructure and maintenance is on its way to the Senate floor. The America the Beautiful Act (S 1547) aims to extend the National Park Service’s Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), investing $6.65 billion over five years in America’s natural treasures and historic lands.
The America the Beautiful Act was introduced last month by Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Sen. Angus King (I-ME) and has already amassed 64 bipartisan cosponsors. The bill was unanimously advanced by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT). Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) serves as ranking member of the committee.
“Our National Parks and historic sites are among our nation’s most treasured places, connecting Americans to the people, events and landscapes that shaped our history,” said 91 President David Duncan. “This legislation ensures future generations can continue to learn from and be inspired by these irreplaceable cultural and natural resources. We are thankful for this strong demonstration of bipartisan support in the Senate and urge swift, unanimous passage of bill.”
The LRF, which was created under the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, has funded more than 600 projects in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, addressing decades-old repair and maintenance needs, restoring historic structures, modernizing campgrounds and visitor centers, repairing roads and trails and improving safety and accessibility for millions of visitors. The LRF has been a boon for the economy, supporting more than 72,000 jobs, contributing roughly $8 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product and adding around $5 billion in labor income.
America’s national parks and public lands currently face more than $24 billion in deferred maintenance. If enacted, the America the Beautiful Act will allow planned and new projects to continue, giving local contractors, state partners and communities the certainty needed to plan multi-year investments. It also would ensure that our nation’s battlefield parks remain safe, welcoming and resilient as our nation celebrates its semiquincentennial.
“America's national parks and public lands are a source of national pride, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure they are maintained for future generations," said Chairman Lee in a statement. “This legislation preserves the core mission of addressing deferred maintenance while incorporating meaningful reforms to improve transparency, accountability, and project execution. The substitute amendment demonstrates what can be accomplished when members work through legitimate concerns and engage in good-faith negotiations.”
“The bipartisan advancement of the America the Beautiful Act is a reminder that when we work together, we can deliver real results for the American people. Our public lands are where families make memories, support local economies, and connect with the outdoors — which is why reinvesting in them is so important,” said Sen. Heinrich in a release. “I’m grateful to Chairman Lee, Senators Daines and King, and our bipartisan cosponsors for helping reach this agreement and moving this long-overdue legislation forward to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and continue investing in the parks, forests, and refuges that people rely on every day, while helping address longstanding needs in Tribal communities.”
“T&Բ;America the Beautiful Act is one of the greatest conservation wins of our time, and I’m thrilled to see it pass out of committee today with widespread bipartisan support. As we look forward to America’s 250th anniversary, what better way to celebrate our national parks, the crown jewels of America, than by signing America the Beautiful into law? Let’s get it to the President’s desk,” said Sen. Daines in a statement celebrating the committee’s passage.
“People travel from across the globe to experience the natural beauty of America’s public lands. Yet, while the national parks are America’s best idea, administrations across both parties have not provided adequate funding for deferred maintenance costs. Passing the America the Beautiful Act out of committee on the anniversary of America’s 250th birthday, together with my friend Senator Daines, is a feat that shows how Congress can work together, across party lines, to pass legislation in support of our collective national treasures,” said Sen. King in a statement touting the bill’s advancement.
A House bill to reauthorize the LRF was unveiled earlier this month by Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA). The bill, the Great American Outdoors Act 250 (HR 9250), is currently under consideration by the House.
The 91 is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 62,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at .
