Senator Jim Banks, a Republican from Indiana, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg)
'AMERICA FIRST' NATIONAL PARKS PLAN FROM TRUMP SLAPS HIGHER FEES ON FOREIGN TOURISTS
Some factors that contributed to the major deferred maintenance shortfall in funding include aging infrastructure of equipment and facilities, federal budget restraints and cuts, and a steadily increasing number of visitors to parks across the US.
The fight to erase the roughly $23 billion backlog has been a key issue in Congress for a number of years.
The landmark Great American Outdoors Act, which was introduced in 2019 by then-Senator Cory Gardner, R-Colorado, and sitting Senator Steve Daines, R-Montana, included $6.5 billion for NPS from 2021-2025. As that funding is set to expire and foot traffic at national parks increases, the Patriot Parks Act could play a new role in reining in the maintenance backlog.
The Colorado River flows through the Grand Canyon on February 22, 2025, in Grand Canyon, Arizona. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
A House version of the legislation is expected to be introduced by Congressman Riley Moore, R-West Virginia, making the bill a bicameral effort to back up President Trump’s executive order.
"From the New River Gorge in my home state to Shenandoah, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and the Grand Canyon - God blessed our nation with a tremendous natural heritage," Moore told Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"We owe it to future generations to ensure these natural marvels are protected."
Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news. Story tips can be sent to Preston.Mizell@fox.com and on X @MizellPreston
Preston Mizell is a writer with Fox News Digital covering breaking news.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/congress-considers-permanent-national-park-fee-increase-international-visitors