A new bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the ongoing maintenance needs of the U.S. national parks has been introduced in Congress. The America the Beautiful Act, supported by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Mark Warner (D-VA), proposes an additional $11.2 billion over eight years to repair and maintain critical infrastructure, including roads, water systems, and buildings within the National Park System.
The legislation builds on the progress initiated by the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, which allocated up to $6.65 billion over five years for park repairs.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), an advocate for park preservation, welcomed the proposed extension. NPCA President and CEO Theresa Pierno emphasized the need for sustained funding, stating, “This bill is a promise that we will continue to take care of the places that mean so much to so many people.”
The 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, a landmark bipartisan initiative, has already funded over 400 repair projects across the National Park System. These efforts include restoring trails at Mammoth Cave, updating water systems at the Grand Canyon, and improving campgrounds at Yosemite and Mount Rainier. The act has generated $8 billion in economic output and created over 72,500 jobs.
Despite the successes of the Great American Outdoors Act, the deferred maintenance backlog in national parks still stands at approximately $23 billion. Routine maintenance costs have outpaced annual funding.
The new legislation arrives at a critical juncture as the Great American Outdoors Act’s funding is set to expire in 2025. According to a press release, extending this funding is considered essential to ensuring that national parks remain accessible and safe for future generations. NPCA has highlighted the importance of bipartisan support to secure this investment.
Pierno also noted that extending funding would ensure national parks are prepared for the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in 2026, which is expected to draw millions of visitors. She emphasized that protecting national parks is a shared responsibility and a lasting legacy for future generations.
“Our parks are not something we should ever take for granted. These places are worth protecting with all our power. Today was a big step, and we look forward to working with Congress to extend this funding to fix more national parks, so we can leave a legacy that our parks deserve,” Pierno said in a press release.
Since its founding in 1919, the NPCA has been a nonpartisan advocate for the preservation of national parks. With more than 1.6 million members, the organization continues to work alongside Congress and local communities to ensure the longevity of these iconic public spaces.
