Congress Faces Pressure to Allocate $2.3 Billion for Revitalizing National Parks

As the clock winds down on the final days of the lame-duck session, advocates are urging Congress to allocate $2.3 billion in disaster aid funding aimed at revitalizing over two dozen national parks that have suffered extensive damage from a series of natural disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, and storms over the past two years. This plea comes amid concerns that without immediate intervention, these cherished natural assets—and the communities that rely on their economic benefits—may face long-lasting repercussions. At the forefront of this funding request is the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, which bore the brunt of Hurricane Helene's wrath in September. Advocates are calling for $1.7 billion of the total request to address the extensive repairs needed on this iconic roadway. Beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway, funds would assist with recovery efforts in national parks from Yosemite in California, where a popular trail was devastated by a rockslide, to Acadia in Maine, where severe storms obliterated trails and beach access earlier this year. The National Park Service (NPS), which oversees 432 units across the country—including 63 national parks—has not fully detailed the extent of damage incurred in recent months. The agency already grapples with over $23 billion in deferred maintenance across its facilities, compounding the urgency for immediate funding. As the NPS directs inquiries regarding specific damages to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), advocates from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) have taken it upon themselves to inform lawmakers in Washington about the dire situations facing national parks nationwide. Their fact sheet highlights the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, particularly the closures affecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which remains the most visited park in the country. As of now, approximately 160 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which traverses the park, remain inaccessible. The NPCA's outreach reflects the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that if Congress does not secure adequate disaster funding for the National Park Service, it could spell disaster not only for the parks themselves but also for the local communities that depend on them. John Garder, senior director of budget and appropriations at the NPCA, articulated the critical need for funding, stating, "If Congress fails to provide the full amount of needed disaster funding for the Park Service, it would be nothing less than a tragedy for more than two dozen parks." He further underscored the economic significance of national parks, which collectively generate around $56 billion in annual economic activity. Despite the compelling case made by advocates, uncertainty looms over the approval of full funding during this legislative session. Notably, the OMB had initially omitted the necessary funds in a request for $98 billion in supplemental funding made in November. Lawmakers, particularly from the Southeast, expressed their discontent, emphasizing that any disaster relief package must robustly support recovery efforts on public lands to sustain vital tourism industries. In the past, Congress has typically responded favorably when national parks face natural disasters, as seen following the catastrophic flooding in Yellowstone National Park in 2022. However, the ongoing financial constraints weigh heavily on congressional discussions. "Being mindful of the national debt is entirely appropriate, but these are places that are in desperate need of aid," Garder insisted, highlighting the dual necessity of addressing immediate needs while also planning for longer-term maintenance and repairs. Looking ahead, advocates remain vigilant, seeking to not only address current damages but also tackle the monumental backlog of maintenance issues plaguing the Park Service. The Great American Outdoors Act, which has been funding park projects at $1.3 billion per year since its enactment in 2020, will expire next year, prompting calls for new legislation. Recently, a bipartisan group of senators, led by Republican Steve Daines of Montana, introduced the America the Beautiful Act, which proposes a significant annual funding boost for the NPS over the next eight years. With the pressure mounting on Congress to act decisively, the future of national parks—and the communities that rely on them—hangs in the balance. The coming days will be crucial for determining whether these national treasures receive the support they urgently require.