On June 18, 2024, a significant announcement was made regarding several million dollars in grants for road improvements, parking lot construction, and trail development in Yellowstone National Park. This announcement coincided with the introduction of a new bill by U.S. Senator Steve Daines, which aims to address maintenance issues at national parks across the U.S.
The bill, called the “America the Beautiful Act,” seeks to extend a program that has already been successful in funding maintenance at national parks, like Yellowstone and Glacier. This program was originally established under the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, which allocated $6.5 billion in funding over five years. More than $4 billion has already been invested in various national park projects.
Daines, along with Senators Angus King, Kevin Cramer, and Mark Warner, introduced the bill with broad bipartisan support. It would extend the program for another eight years, increase federal funding to $2 billion annually, and prioritize projects with committed matching funds. The bill also encourages public donations and transparency in project management, with agencies required to report regularly on progress.
The proposed legislation has strong backing from organizations such as the National Park Foundation, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Montana Conservation Corps. They believe the bill will help preserve and protect the nation’s natural and cultural heritage while addressing the maintenance backlog that has plagued parks for years.
Currently, the National Park Service estimates a $23 billion maintenance backlog, with significant issues in parks like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. In Montana alone, the backlog is over $243 million. Funding from the Legacy Restoration Fund has already supported several major projects in Glacier and Yellowstone, and additional funds are expected to help tackle ongoing maintenance needs in the coming years.
Senator Daines emphasized that by increasing funding and allowing agencies to start projects as soon as possible, the bill will help reduce the backlog and improve the public’s experience at these iconic parks.
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