New Legislation Would Extend Vital National Park Maintenance and Restoration Program
Jared Herr, jherr@battlefields.org
(Washington, D.C.) — Bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the most effective federal investment in National Park site stewardship and economic development was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today. Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) unveiled the Great American Outdoors Act 250 (HR 9250), to extend the National Park Service’s Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), investing nearly $2 billion annually over the next five years in America’s natural treasures and historic lands.
“The Great American Outdoors Act 250 is crucial to ensuring our National Parks and historic sites, often described as ‘America’s best idea,’ continue to inspire all who visit them,” said American Battlefield Trust President David Duncan. “These incredible and irreplaceable cultural and natural treasures are central to our nation’s story and must be actively protected from neglect and the ravages of time.”
The program, which was created under the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, has been responsible for nearly 400 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.
In his official statement issued upon introduction of HR 9250, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) remarked: “As millions of Americans are preparing to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, Congress is coming together in a bipartisan manner to enhance access, improve visitor experiences, and create new outdoor recreation opportunities. The Great American Outdoors Act 250 will make historic investments in and modernize our national parks, public lands, and Bureau of Indian Education facilities, revitalize the economies of rural gateway communities that depend on public lands tourism, and create new recreation opportunities for American families to enjoy. I look forward to working with Ranking Member Huffman, my bipartisan colleagues in both the House and the Senate, and the Trump administration on advancing this historic legislation to President Trump’s desk.”
In his official remarks upon introduction of the bill, said House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) noted: "As the nation turns 250, we have a chance to renew a promise behind what's been called America's best idea: that our greatest landscapes belong to every one of us. The Great American Outdoors Act 250 builds on a promise we made together, on a bipartisan basis, to keep our parks open and well cared for. It means a campsite ready when you pull in, clean restrooms and water at the spigot, and trails accessible enough for grandparents and kids to walk together. I thank Chairman Westerman for working across the aisle on a bill worthy of our nation's birthday, so these places are ready for the next generation of visitors."
If enacted, the Great American Outdoors Act 250 will allow planned and new projects to continue, giving local contractors, state partners and communities the certainty needed to plan multi-year investments. It would also ensure that our nation’s battlefield parks remain safe, welcoming and resilient as our nation celebrates its semiquincentennial.
The American Battlefield Trust 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 www.battlefields.org.
