From the rugged coast of Acadia to the pristine valleys of glaciers, America’s national parks are treasures that are celebrated both domestically and internationally. But they’re not just beautiful landscapes; they embody significant parts of our history, freedom, and future. It’s essential that we keep them at the forefront of our shared values.
These parks narrate our story—families camping and fishing, veterans reflecting at historical sites, and local economies thriving through tourism. Recently, we’ve made strides in maintaining our national parks, making them safer and better equipped for the millions of visitors they receive each year. This progress is largely due to the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), a federal initiative aimed at park repairs and restoration. However, the LRF is set to expire on September 30, 2025, and there’s still much to do, especially with the 250th anniversary of America approaching. That’s why we’ve put forward a proposal to renew the LRF, driven by strong bipartisan support that recognizes the importance of preserving our parks and public lands as a shared responsibility and wise investment.
For years, the funding for these parks has fallen short. But things began to turn around in 2020 when Congress passed, with overwhelming bipartisan support, the Great American Outdoor Act, which marked the largest investment in our parks in more than half a century. The results are evident.
In just five years, over $6.5 billion has been allocated to nearly 400 projects across the country, enhancing the visitor experience in parks. The LRF goes beyond mere repairs; it’s about economic vitality. This funding has generated over $8 billion in GDP, created more than 72,000 jobs, and pumped billions into local economies.
However, if Congress fails to renew this successful program, projects could stall, repair costs might escalate, and communities dependent on park tourism will struggle.
In the last year alone, 331 million visitors to national parks contributed over $55 billion to local economies. These figures are not just statistics; they represent the wages of guides, waitstaff, hotel employees, mechanics, and small business owners. This is our neighbors’ livelihood, the backbone of our American communities.
We’ve witnessed the impact of these investments first-hand in places like Montana and Maine. In Montana, Glacier National Park provides thousands of jobs, energizing small towns in the Flathead Valley. In Maine, Acadia’s stunning coast draws visitors, boosting local shops and restaurants, and investments in safe roads and facilities will encourage repeat visits. All these experiences depend on reliable infrastructure.
Support for renewing the LRF is widespread and gaining momentum. We hear it from constituents, local officials, business leaders, and various industry associations. Groups advocating for economics, conservation, and heritage from over 50 states have already shown their support. They recognize what we see: the LRF is sound policy and good resource management that embodies the essence of America’s history, present, and future.
Reauthorizing the LRF goes beyond roads and buildings. It’s about safeguarding spaces where people come together, bolstering communities reliant on these parks, and ensuring that future generations inherit the same opportunities to experience the beauty of America.
As we near the 250th anniversary of our nation, Congress has a chance to reaffirm its bipartisan commitments to protect the land, history, and freedoms that unite us. Let’s not let this opportunity slip away.
