RVIA, along with the other members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, stated support for the National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022.
The bill would reauthorize the National Park Foundation’s funding through 2030.
The National Park Foundation is the official charitable partner of the National Park Service that directly supports the parks with private funding and strategic partnerships.
The National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022 would increase National Park Foundation funding from $5 million to $15 million. Because federal investment requires a minimum 1:1 match with private dollars, the funding increase is needed to address the more than $20 million worth of projects waiting for a federal match, RVIA said.
National parks unite the country, RVIA said, as evidenced by the bipartisan support of members of Congress and park champions for the bill.
RVIA commended the leadership of Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Angus King (I-Maine), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Reps. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) RVIA recently sent a letter to the Senate Energy Natural Resources Committee and House Natural Resources Committee asking for quick passage of the reauthorization bill.
The National Park Service is challenged by aging infrastructure, visitation pressures and decades of inconsistent funding, RVIA said. Investments from the federal government, private donations, entrance and recreation fees help support the country’s parks. The National Park Foundation is a key partner in ensuring that support, RVIA said, and warrants continued federal resources that can leverage private donations.
