Jared Huffman, a democrat House representative from California, has introduced legislation alongside republican Bruce Westerman, from Arkansas, that would invest $1.9 billion annually in national parks, public lands, and Bureau of Indian Education facilities over the next five years.
The Great American Outdoors Act 250 is bipartisan legislation that takes private donations, onshore energy revenue, and new foreign visitor fees charged at national parks to reach that annual $1.9 billion funding goal. Specifically, the Great American Outdoors Act 250 will target deferred maintenance projects within the National Parks Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other land management agencies. Campgrounds, trails, boat ramps, and other hunting and fishing sites would receive top priority with this funding.
“As the nation turns 250, we have a chance to renew a promise behind what’s been called America’s best idea: that our greatest landscapes belong to every one of us,” Huffman said in a press release. “The Great American Outdoors Act 250 builds on a promise we made together, on a bipartisan basis, to keep our parks open and well cared for. It means a campsite ready when you pull in, clean restrooms and water at the spigot, and trails accessible enough for grandparents and kids to walk together. I thank (Bruce) Westerman for working across the aisle on a bill worthy of our nation’s birthday, so these places are ready for the next generation of visitors.”
The legislation will, according to its sponsors, be responsible for some $26.4 billion in revenue for gateway communities across the country who largely depend on tourism. They also project over 72,000 jobs to be created as a result of the annual investment. Also, the bill does not allow for new federal land acquisition. All work will be done on existing federal lands.
The Great American Outdoors Act 250 will still need to be debated and passed in both houses of Congress, then sent to President Donald Trump for his signature or veto.