U.S. Travel Welcomes Bills to Tackle Deferred Maintenance Projects in National Parks

U.S. Travel Association Senior Vice President for Government Relations Tori Barnes issued the following statement on the reintroduction of the Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act (H.R. 1225) and the Restore Our Parks Act (S. 500):

“Our parks are among our most cherished national treasures, but their future viability is threatened by crumbling infrastructure and inadequate facilities that simply diminish the visitor experience. Years of underinvestment have led to a maintenance backlog estimated at nearly $12 billion, and it is crucial that a dedicated source of funding is identified to address these needs.

“The U.S. Travel Association applauds Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA-6) and Rob Bishop (R-UT-1), and Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Angus King (I-ME) for their dedication to tackling these deferred maintenance issues and for recognizing the need to ensure the future of our national parks.”