A bipartisan group of U.S. senators reintroduced legislation to extend federal funding for critical maintenance projects across the National Park System.
The America the Beautiful Act would authorize $11.2 billion over eight years to address the mounting backlog of infrastructure repairs, which includes deteriorating roads, failing water systems, and aging visitor facilities.
According to a press release, the bill was introduced by the U.S. Senators Steve Daines of Montana, Angus King of Maine, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, and Mark Warner of Virginia.
The proposed funding seeks to build on the momentum of the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act, which allocated up to $6.65 billion over five years for national park maintenance and marked the largest federal investment in parks and public lands in over half a century.
Since its passage, the Great American Outdoors Act has supported more than 560 maintenance and repair projects across the country. These projects include restoring historic bathhouses at Hot Springs National Park, upgrading campgrounds at Yosemite and Rocky Mountain National Parks, and replacing the aging water system at Grand Canyon National Park.
The maintenance funding is also set to expire this year, prompting renewed efforts to ensure continued support for the National Park Service (NPS). The deferred maintenance backlog has grown to over $23 billion, underscoring the need for sustained investment to preserve park infrastructure and visitor safety.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) expressed strong support for the bill. Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of NPCA, emphasized the importance of extending the funding. “This federal funding has helped park staff address hundreds of long-overdue repair projects, improved visitor experience and safety for millions, and boosted local economies in every state,” Pierno said.
Pierno also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the bill’s reintroduction, crediting bipartisan leadership and national advocacy. “NPCA has worked hand in hand with congressional champions, partners and communities across the country to make this reinvestment in our national parks possible,” she said.
While the financial impact of previous funding has been significant—contributing more than $8 billion in economic output and creating over 72,500 jobs—NPCA warns that the staffing shortage within the Park Service poses a challenge. The agency has reportedly lost up to 2,500 employees since January, roughly 12.5% of its workforce.