JACKSON, WYO. – The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) today praised the bipartisan omnibus bill passed by Congress, which includes a much-needed $122-million increase for the operating needs of America’s national parks, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
NPCA’s Grand Teton Program Manager Sharon Mader is pleased to see national parks receiving the increased funding that they deserve. "Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are among the gems of the National Park System. These additional funds will likely help Wyoming’s parks deal with deteriorating infrastructure, and help preserve and protect the spectacular landscapes of our national parks."
The $122-million operating budget increase provided for national parks in the omnibus will enable the Park Service to fill some seasonal ranger positions and cover fixed costs, which had been straining park budgets. National parks nationwide now suffer from a chronic funding shortfall exceeding $800 million annually.
The bill also includes nearly $25 million to begin funding the National Park Centennial Challenge. This public-private matching grant program would fund new projects and programs before the parks’ centennial in 2016. Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, and Devils Tower National Monument have already identified projects that have willing partners with private funding.
"This is an exciting and important step toward restoring the national parks by their centennial, and is a result of Congress and the Administration recognizing that taking care of our national parks should be a national priority," said NPCA President Tom Kiernan.
"We understand that Congress and the Administration wanted to do even more to help restore the national parks, but were precluded by the complicated and difficult budget climate," Kiernan added. "For this year’s effort to be meaningful over the long term, it will be critical that Congress and the Administration build on it in next year’s budget, to continue the task of restoring the national parks for their centennial in 2016."
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