WASHINGTON, D.C. - Recently, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) introduced H.R. 9250, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund. More than 180 organizations have expressed their support for the legislation that will make a historic investment in our national parks, public lands and Bureau of Indian Education facilities over the next five years. Here is what organizations and industry leaders are saying:
“From trails and campgrounds to marinas and visitor facilities, these investments have enhanced access, supported local economies and improved the visitor experience. Reauthorizing and strengthening the Legacy Restoration Fund now represents a generational opportunity to build on that success and ensure public lands and waters are equipped to meet a growing interest in outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of healthy, resilient and sustainable economies and communities as we celebrate America’s 250th and for the next 250 years to come.” – Jessica Turner, president, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
“Our associations have long supported sustainable funding solutions for America's national parks and public lands. We particularly applaud the legislation's extension of the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and its continued focus on addressing critical deferred maintenance needs that enhance the visitor experience while protecting our nation's most treasured places.” – Lisa Simon, executive director, International Inbound Travel Association; Catherine Prather, president, National Tour Association; Carylann Assante, CEO, Student & Youth Travel Association; Scott Michael, president and CEO, United Motorcoach Association; Terry Dale, president and CEO, United States Tour Operators Association; and Andrew Newhart, senior director, government relations, U.S. Travel Association
“The America the Beautiful Act represents a critical investment in the infrastructure that keeps our national parks safe, accessible and protected. At Grand Canyon National Park, funding from the Legacy Restoration Fund is helping replace the aging South Rim Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring the park can meet the needs of millions of visitors each year while protecting the natural resources that make Grand Canyon so extraordinary. Reauthorizing this fund will allow parks across the country to continue addressing essential infrastructure needs and preserving these treasured places for future generations.” – Elizabeth Silkes, CEO, Grand Canyon Conservancy
“Thank you for your consideration for reauthorizing and improving the Legacy Restoration Fund. As an organization dedicated to bringing together a broad coalition across the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in support of healthy forests and watersheds, we hope that the Legacy Restoration Fund can go beyond funding well-known maintenance projects on public lands.” – Jon Hoekstra, executive director, Mountains to Sound Gateway Trust
“Visitors to Voyageurs National Park depend on safe, reliable infrastructure to experience one of America's premier freshwater landscapes and internationally recognized dark skies. From navigating the park's interconnected waterways to viewing some of the nation's most spectacular night skies, visitors rely on well-maintained facilities and access points to connect with these remarkable resources. The Legacy Restoration Fund has helped national parks tackle long-overdue maintenance needs, ensuring that public lands remain accessible, resilient and welcoming. Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund will build on this success, supporting local economies, enhancing visitor experiences and protecting treasured places like Voyageurs for future generations.” – Christina Hausman Rhode, executive director, Voyageurs Conservancy
“For a place like Zion National Park, reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund matters in a very real and immediate way. Millions of visitors come to Zion each year, and the infrastructure that supports their experience, from trails and transportation systems to visitor facilities, water systems, roads and historic resources, requires sustained investment and care. Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund will help ensure Zion and parks across Utah and the country remain safe, accessible, resilient and protected for future generations.” – Natalie Britt, president & CEO, Zion Forever Project
