National Park Foundation Celebrates Enactment of Fiscal Year 2021 Interior Funding
WASHINGTON – The National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service, made the following statement commending Congressional passage of Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations for the Department of the Interior, including $5 million as authorized under the National Park Service Centennial Act (PL-114-289, Section 402):
“The National Park Foundation applauds the House of Representatives and Senate for reaching bipartisan consensus on Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations,” said Will Shafroth, National Park Foundation President & CEO. “The Foundation is gratified to receive $5 million in federal funds, which it will leverage with private, philanthropic donations from individuals and corporate partners to create a combined impact of at least $10 million annually for America’s national parks.”
The Foundation thanks leaders of the House and Senate Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittees on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: Chair Betty McCollum, Ranking Member Dave Joyce, Chairman Lisa Murkowski, and Ranking Member Tom Udall. Their bipartisan collaboration throughout the 116th Congress delivered crucial resources for national parks while enhancing the Foundation’s work to support our most treasured places.
“Alaska is home to 17 of America’s national parks, more than any other state, and I’m proud to help secure significant funding for the National Park Foundation through my role as Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee,” said Chairman Murkowski. “Maintaining our national parks is essential for local, state, and the national economies. We must ensure that our public lands continue to flourish so that they can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.”
“At a time of pandemic and economic crisis, our country’s unmatched national parks can drive local economic development, create jobs, and provide outdoor refuge for millions of Americans,” said Ranking Member Udall. “I was proud to work on a bipartisan basis to pass the Great American Outdoors Act, which makes a down payment on the deferred maintenance needed to support the millions of visitors who come from all over the world to explore, camp, and enjoy the natural wonders of our public lands in New Mexico and the U.S. Our Interior funding bill makes good on the promise of this landmark legislation for the benefit of all Americans and supports the important work that the National Park Foundation does to protect America’s national treasures so generations to come can continue to experience all they have to offer."
To date, the Foundation’s Centennial appropriation has supported an array of programming, including service corps that connect diverse youth with national park conservation and trail restoration, facility improvements to preserve priceless resources and expand interpretation, and park infrastructure projects that enhance the visitor experience and boost recreational access. The Foundation is committed to working with the strong community of national park partners across the United States to leverage these vital funds and advance the priorities of the National Park Service.
The Foundation also appreciates leaders of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations: Chairwoman Nita Lowey, Ranking Member Kay Granger, Chairman Richard Shelby, and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy. Their collective efforts, with support from leadership in both chambers, were critical to successful completion of the annual appropriations process.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.