UPDATE, August 24, 2020: Wondering how and when funding decisions will be made? Read this.
Washington’s National Park Fund’s message to Congressman Derek Kilmer for his leadership/voice of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), and Senator Maria Cantwell for her leadership/voice for the Land and Water Conservation Fund:
Alongside Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks, Washington’s National Park Fund, the official philanthropic partner serving these parks exclusively, extends deep gratitude to Congressman Kilmer and Senator Cantwell. The passage of the Great American Outdoors Act will have significant impact on both national parks as well as public parks, wildlife, trails and other outdoor spaces throughout the great state of Washington. This is a monumental step forward!
In our national parks, funds from the GAOA will be targeted exclusively on much needed deferred maintenance: roads, bridges, sewer systems, historic structures, restrooms, etc. And on the local level, the Land and Water Conservation Fund will continue its tradition of assisting our national parks with the purchase of nearby lands.
While the GAOA focuses on deferred maintenance, Washington’s National Park Fund remains focused on programs and projects where the greatest impact on the park experience can be achieved: Science and Research, Improving Visitors’ Experiences, Volunteerism and Stewardship, and Youth and Family programs.
Beyond Congressman Kilmer (D-6th CD) and Senator Cantwell (D-WA), we also extend thanks for the strong bipartisan support from these other members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation who also showed leadership and supported GAOA:
Note: Dan Newhouse (R-4th CD) voted against the Act; thus, he is not on the list.
It’s an exciting time in the history of both Washington State’s national parks AND communities throughout the state. With the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act – which includes permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund – a sizable amount of the deferred maintenance in our national parks and public lands will be addressed. With it, we will see improvements to urban parks, fish and wildlife, working lands and statewide trails take place. Thanks goes out to our great Senators and US Representatives who joined together and demonstrated strong bipartisan support!
Christine Gregoire, Honorary Board Member, Washington’s National Park FundCEO, Challenge SeattleFormer Washington State Governor (2005 – 2013)
Here in Washington State, we treasure our public lands. Our national parks loom over us like strong pillars: never bending, always there. We also treasure our local parks, playgrounds, and trails. Thanks to those who voted in favor of the Great American Outdoors Act, both our national and local treasures are about to see a boost. Some of the deferred maintenance in our National Parks will be attended to. Communities statewide will have more outdoor space to recreate within thanks to the permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Hats off to all who voted in favor and especially Congressman Derek Kilmer and Senator Maria Cantwell, both of whom helped to lead the charge! May the wilderness always be protected, and always be enjoyed, for generations who follow us.
Daniel J. Evans, Honorary Board Member, Washington’s National Park FundFormer Washington State Governor (1965 – 1977)Former US Senator (1983 – 1989)
Growing up on the Olympic Peninsula, I learned how important protecting and supporting our parks and our public lands is to driving tourism, growing jobs, and supporting rural economies. This bill will provide dedicated funding to address the much-needed repairs at Olympic National Park and throughout our National Park system – something I’ve been working toward for years. Seeing this bill become law will ensure the incredible natural assets in our region can continue to provide amazing visitor experiences and serve as economic drivers for rural communities for future generations. I was proud to support this bill and am grateful for the extraordinary coalition that helped make it happen.
Derek Kilmer, Honorary Board Member, Washington’s National Park FundUS Representative (2013 – today)
Our national parks are some of the most remarkable places anywhere. They are crucial to protecting wildlife and preserving cultural heritage; they’re also an asset to our economy. The Great American Outdoors Act is going to have a positive impact; it’s certainly a step. This bipartisan legislation will dedicate federal funding from royalty revenues generated by energy leases on federal lands and waters and use them to draw down our national parks’ maintenance backlog. With proper funding, all national parks can be restored and revitalized as landmarks of American history.
John Korsmo, Jr., WNPF SupporterOwner, Korsmo Construction, Tacoma
Enactment of the Great American Outdoors Act is a big win for communities across the country. Our national parks are economic engines for local towns and cities that depend on the $21 billion that visitors spend each year, supporting small businesses and jobs,” said Marcia Argust, project director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ restore America’s parks campaign. “We commend Washington’s National Park Fund for its long-standing commitment to making this landmark legislation a reality, ensuring that park sites in the state will be properly maintained, accessible, and preserved for decades to come.
Marcia Argust, Director, Restore America’s ParksThe Pew Charitable Trusts
In March, President Trump called on Congress to send him a bill that fully and permanently funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund and restored our national parks, and he would sign it into law. The Great American Outdoors Act, introduced by Colorado Senator Cory Gardner, passed the Senate with bipartisan support in June, and the House supported the measure without amendment on July 22. The Great American Outdoors Act, which includes the establishment of a National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, will provide $6.65B to address deferred maintenance priorities at the National Park Service over five years. Once signed into law by President Trump, the funds will help complete infrastructure projects, expand recreational opportunities, support local economies and help ensure parks are protected and preserved for future generations. Specific projects that will be funded will be announced in the future.
– Chip Jenkins, Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park; Karen Taylor-Goodrich, Superintendent, North Cascades National Park; Sarah Creachbaum, Superintendent, Olympic National Park
View our News Release on the Great American Outdoors Act: President Trump set to sign Great American Outdoors Act into Law