House Budget Proposal a Grand Slam for National Parks
June 2007
Our national parks need sustained federal support, but chronic funding shortfalls have put the parks in crisis. NPCA has highlighted the need for additional funding for more than a decade. In February we launched a new campaign called Make National Parks a National Priority to encourage Congress to support increased funding for the parks. Thousands of park supporters like you signed a Congressional petition urging increased support for our parks as part of the federal budget process, which began in February.
That’s why we are pleased to report that the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee provided $2.5 billion for the National Park Service, an increase of $228 million above FY07. This proposed increase is a major victory in our ongoing campaign to restore full funding to the parks. The next step in the process will be a vote by the full House of Representatives. We anticipate the Senate will be taking up the legislation to fund the parks soon as well, hopefully with equally promising numbers. If this budget is approved, it will be big a win for our national parks. And it would be a great stride toward rectifying the annual funding shortfalls that have crippled national parks for years. And we couldn't have done it without you.
Budget shortfalls of more than $800 million annually have led to a shortage of rangers, neglected trails, and dirty and deteriorating visitor facilities. The backlog of maintenance and preservation needs exceeds several billion dollars.
"The House proposal is a grand slam for our national parks," said NPCA President Tom Kiernan. "The House has provided record funding for national parks, putting rangers back in the parks to protect resources and educate and inspire visitors. It will also provide funds to protect land threatened by development and jump-start the Centennial Initiative. We now look to the U.S. Senate to ensure this victory for America's heritage."
This article is from the June 2007 issue of NPCA's Park Lines. Each month Park Lines takes you to a new park, highlights one of our campaigns, and keeps you informed about what the staff at NPCA are up to and how you can help. Read our latest issue and subscribe for your very own free copy.
