Visiting America's national parks is a beloved pastime, but crumbling infrastructure has made the experience less enjoyable.
The Great American Outdoors Act aims to revitalize parks across the country so visitors can once again appreciate these natural wonders.
By exploring key provisions of this legislation and its projected impact, we’ll understand how the Act intends to address deferred maintenance and enhance the visitor experience through significant investments.
Introduction to the Great American Outdoors Act
The Great American Outdoors Act was signed into law in 2020 to address critical maintenance issues and funding shortfalls for America's national parks. This legislation provides permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to tackle deferred maintenance projects.
Historical Context and Legislative Journey
The origins of the Great American Outdoors Act can be traced back to efforts starting in 2016 to provide permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which uses offshore oil and gas revenues to support conservation and outdoor recreation projects. Additional legislation was introduced in 2019 to establish a fund specifically targeting the National Park Service's maintenance backlog, which had ballooned to over $11 billion. These bills gained bipartisan support and were combined into the Great American Outdoors Act, which passed Congress with overwhelming majorities in June 2020. President Trump signed it into law that August.
Key Provisions of the Act
The key components of the Great American Outdoors Act are:
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Permanently authorizing $900 million in annual funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to preserve landscapes and create public recreation opportunities.
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Creating the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, which will provide up to $1.9 billion a year for 5 years to tackle priority deferred maintenance projects on federal lands.
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The National Park Service is estimated to receive about 70% of this restoration fund to fix infrastructure like roads, buildings, and trails in national parks.
Projected Impact on National Park Service
The Great American Outdoors Act is expected to have significant benefits for national parks and public lands, including:
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Reducing the National Park Service maintenance backlog by half over the next 5 years.
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Enabling completion of deferred projects like road repairs and upgrades to visitor centers.
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Improving infrastructure and facilities for visitors at iconic parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite.
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Preserving landscapes and ecosystems through expanded Land and Water Conservation Fund projects.
Implementation Status Under the Biden Administration
In its first year under the Biden administration, over $550 million has been allocated from the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to begin tackling the most urgent infrastructure projects across more than 300 national parks and public lands. Work is underway with collaboration from both public and private partners. Continued bipartisan support for full funding and effective implementation is expected in the coming years to realize the significant benefits promised by this legislation.
What is the Great American Outdoors Act public law?
The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) is a federal law passed by the 116th United States Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on August 4, 2020. This legislation provides significant investments to address the maintenance backlog in America's national parks and other public lands.
Specifically, the law does the following:
- Permanently and fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900 million annually. The LWCF supports conservation efforts and the acquisition of public lands for outdoor recreation.
- Provides $9.5 billion over 5 years to help address the deferred maintenance backlog at facilities and infrastructure managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Education. This funding will go towards critical repairs and improvements.
- Adds 3 new units to the National Park System: Mill Springs and Camp Nelson national monuments in Kentucky, as well as the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument in Mississippi.
- Designates several new wilderness areas and withdraws over 500,000 acres in Colorado, California, Washington, and Arizona from mineral development.
In summary, the Great American Outdoors Act makes a historic investment in America's public lands infrastructure and conservation efforts. It aims to enhance visitors' experiences at national parks and other public lands, while also preserving natural landscapes.
What does the Great American Outdoors Act envision for us?
The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was passed by the 116th United States Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump in August 2020. This legislation aims to address the maintenance backlog in America's national parks and public lands.
Specifically, the Act will:
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Provide up to $1.9 billion per year for 5 years to fund deferred maintenance projects in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, recreation areas and tribal schools. This will help tackle the nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog on infrastructure like roads, bridges and visitor centers.
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Permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund at $900 million annually. This fund supports conservation efforts and the acquisition of public lands for outdoor recreation.
Overall, the Great American Outdoors Act takes important steps to restore and upgrade America's public lands infrastructure. It ensures that national parks and public lands receive much-needed funding for repairs and maintenance. The Act also permanently safeguards funding for conservation and outdoor recreation access. This will benefit both the public and the environment for generations to come.
What is the Great American Outdoors Act bipartisan infrastructure law?
The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) is a bipartisan infrastructure law passed by the 116th United States Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump in August 2020. This law aims to address the mounting maintenance backlog in America's national parks and public lands.
Specifically, the law does two main things:
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Provides up to $1.9 billion per year for 5 years to tackle deferred maintenance projects in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and American Indian schools. This funding will help repair and upgrade critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, visitor centers, trails, campgrounds, and more across over 420 million acres of public lands.
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Permanently and fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900 million annually. The LWCF uses royalties from offshore oil and gas leasing to acquire and protect public lands for outdoor recreation and conservation. This reliable funding will expand parks and open spaces and improve recreational access for all Americans.
The bipartisan support for the Great American Outdoors Act indicates a recognition from both political parties that stewarding America's public lands and supporting outdoor recreation opportunities are priorities. The law leverages funds from existing revenue streams like offshore drilling to tackle the National Park Service's nearly $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog that has accumulated from decades of underfunding.
What is the Outdoors for All Act 2023?
The Outdoors for All Act 2023 is federal legislation that was recently introduced in the United States Congress to expand access to outdoor recreation opportunities across the country.
Specifically, the bill would establish a grant program within the Department of the Interior to provide funding to states, local governments, tribes, and community organizations for projects that improve outdoor recreation infrastructure and opportunities.
Some key things to know about the Outdoors for All Act 2023:
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It aims to make outdoor recreation more accessible for marginalized communities, including people with disabilities, veterans, low-income families, and communities of color. Grants could fund things like accessible trails, adaptive sports equipment rentals, transportation to recreation sites, etc.
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The bill would support projects that connect more youth to the outdoors, especially those from underserved backgrounds. Grants may fund outdoor education, recreation programs, camping experiences, etc.
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The legislation also seeks to address the maintenance backlog at parks and public lands. Grant funding could help repair and upgrade infrastructure like trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, etc.
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In total, the bill would authorize $500 million per year to support local outdoor recreation projects across the country. The funding would come from energy and mineral leasing revenues.
The Outdoors for All Act aims to break down barriers to accessing the outdoors, so more Americans can experience the benefits of parks, public lands, and outdoor recreation. Supporters see it as impactful legislation to advance equity in conservation and connect more people to nature.
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Securing Funds for Nature Conservation in the United States
The Great American Outdoors Act provides dedicated funding to address critical infrastructure and maintenance needs in America's national parks and public lands. This legislation supports conservation efforts while creating jobs and supporting local economies.
Full and Permanent Funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund
The law finally fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which has preserved over 5 million acres of public lands since 1965. The LWCF uses offshore oil and gas revenues, not taxpayer money, to preserve lands and waters for outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and cultural heritage. Permanent LWCF funding allows continued strategic investments in conservation and outdoor recreation access.
Addressing the Maintenance Backlog Across American National Parks
The legislation establishes a National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to provide $9.5 billion over 5 years to address deferred maintenance across national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands. This funding will help clear the over $20 billion maintenance backlog facing America's beloved public spaces.
Project Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The law outlines project eligibility and selection criteria. Eligible projects include deferred maintenance activities, critical infrastructure investments, and other investments to enhance visitor services. The National Park Service and other land agencies will prioritize projects based on metrics like public access, health and safety, historical significance, and recreational value.
Ensuring Transparency and Oversight in Fund Allocation
To ensure responsible spending, the law requires land agencies to provide project data to oversight committees and publicly report on progress. This transparency around project selection and outcomes, paired with Congressional oversight, will help guarantee these conservation funds serve their intended purpose.
Overall, the Great American Outdoors Act makes historic investments in America's natural treasures, supporting conservation as well as rural jobs and economies through strategic public lands reinvestment.
Bipartisan Support and Challenges
Key Supporters from Senate to The Nature Conservancy
The Great American Outdoors Act had bipartisan support from government leaders and conservation groups. Key supporters included:
- Bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives who introduced the legislation, including Cory Gardner (R-CO), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), and others
- President Donald Trump, who signed the Act into law in August 2020
- Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, who helped advocate for the legislation within the Trump administration
- Conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, League of Conservation Voters, and others who lobbied for the Act's passage
These supporters highlighted the benefits of addressing the $12 billion maintenance backlog at national parks through the National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund. They also praised fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund to conserve public lands. Supporters said the legislation would create jobs, support rural economies, and preserve natural spaces for future generations.
Opposition Concerns from Budgetary Impacts to Energy Development
While the Great American Outdoors Act received bipartisan consensus, some concerns were raised in opposition:
- Fiscal hawks argued the $9.5 billion cost over 5 years was too expensive given rising budget deficits
- Restricting new energy development on public lands could hurt job creation in fossil fuel industries
- Diverting offshore oil & gas revenues from the General Fund to the Land and Water Conservation Fund faced opposition
- Some critics wanted greater state control over federal land conservation funds instead of national oversight
Those against the legislation raised issues ranging from budgetary impacts to limiting energy development on public lands. However, these concerns did not gain enough momentum to stop the Act's passage given its widespread bipartisan support.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits for National Parks
The Great American Outdoors Act aims to provide significant funding to address the maintenance backlog across America's national parks and public lands. By investing in critical infrastructure and facilities upgrades, the act intends to improve the visitor experience, support local economies, and advance conservation efforts.
Reducing Maintenance Backlogs at Sites Like Rocky Mountain National Park
The legislation allocates up to $1.9 billion a year from energy revenues to support deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. This funding will help cut the National Park Service's $12 billion maintenance backlog in half over five years. For example, Rocky Mountain National Park has over $84 million in delayed critical infrastructure repairs. The act's resources can help rebuild aging facilities, trails, water systems, and other assets to enhance access and recreation.
Enhancing Visitor Experiences from Glacier Bay to Statue of Liberty
Completing essential repair and restoration work will directly upgrade key visitor services at parks and sites nationwide. From improving accessibility with wheelchair-accessible pathways to updating visitor centers with modern exhibits, the act aims to elevate enjoyment across NPS sites. Investing in infrastructure and facilities also makes experiences safer and more engaging. Visitors will be able to have higher quality trips that inspire learning and stewardship.
Stimulating Rural Economies and Restoration Landscapes
In addition to benefitting visitor experiences, the Great American Outdoors Act's funding will create significant economic opportunities through new infrastructure projects and jobs. The restoration work contracts and construction will inject money into local communities and support rural businesses near public lands. The act also establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to support landscape-scale restoration on federal lands. This will aid wildlife conservation needs and natural resource management while also sustaining jobs.
Real-world Impact: Park Success Stories
Revitalization of Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway winds its way through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, offering beautiful scenery and glimpses into history along the 444-mile route. However, after years of wear-and-tear, the parkway was in dire need of repairs and improvements. Funding from the Great American Outdoors Act has enabled several key projects:
- Over $5 million to rehabilitate bridges and install guardrails for visitor safety
- Resurfacing over 50 miles of the parkway, providing a smoother driving experience
- Restoring historical features like native landscaping and stone walls along the route
Park Superintendent Vidal Davila said, "Thanks to the GAOA, we are preserving this national scenic byway for future generations to enjoy."
Infrastructure Enhancements at Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington state faced a $134 million backlog of overdue maintenance projects. GAOA funding has brought new life to park infrastructure:
- Replacing failing wastewater systems at the Heart o’ the Hills campground
- Improving accessibility with new walkways, ramps, and viewing platforms
- Renovating visitor centers with energy-efficient lighting and updated exhibits
Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum explained, “This critical funding helps us improve the condition of park roads, trails, buildings, waterlines, and more that support visitor access and enjoyment.”
Preservation Efforts at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
The steep cliffs of Colorado's Black Canyon presented risks from rockfall and erosion. GAOA funds enabled the park to undertake preservation initiatives:
- Stabilizing rock walls with anchors, netting, and drainage improvements
- Rehabilitating the South Rim Road to realign dangerous curves and add vehicle pullouts
- Upgrading aging wastewater infrastructure throughout the park
The investments exemplify the park service's commitment to safeguarding Black Canyon's natural beauty for generations to come.
Ensuring Park Funding and Future Conservation Efforts
Role of the Interior Secretary and Federal Agencies
The Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and federal agencies like the National Park Service play a crucial role in administering the Great American Outdoors Act. As the Act allocates billions in funding towards conservation efforts, the Interior Department oversees distributing these funds to maintain and upgrade infrastructure across parks, forests, wildlife refuges and other public lands.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Assessing maintenance backlogs and infrastructure needs across America's public lands
- Prioritizing critical upgrades and improvements based on need, cost and other factors
- Developing project plans and budgets for restoring trails, roads, buildings, utilities and more
- Disbursing funding to individual parks, forests and refuges to carry out infrastructure projects
- Monitoring project implementation and completion
Federal agencies also use funds to hire staff, procure equipment and expand conservation programs per the Act's directives. Tight coordination between the Interior Department and on-the-ground land managers is essential for success.
Collaboration with Conservation Organizations
The Great American Outdoors Act mandates cooperation with non-profit conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation and League of Conservation Voters. These organizations bring vast expertise that complements federal agencies' capabilities.
Key areas of collaboration include:
- Scientific research on at-risk habitats and species populations to guide conservation efforts
- Public outreach and education campaigns to build support for public lands
- Policy assessment to bolster environmental protections through legislation
- Volunteer programs that steward parks/refuges and restore ecosystems
This coordination amplifies the impact of conservation funding under the Act. It also fosters public-private partnerships to sustain America's natural heritage.
The Role of the National Interagency Fire Center in Mitigating Wildfires
The Great American Outdoors Act directs funding to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) to mitigate and manage wildfires on public lands. Specific NIFC efforts include:
- Predictive modeling to forecast regions facing high wildfire risk each year
- Deploying firefighting personnel and aviation assets to at-risk areas preemptively
- Expanding firefighter training programs and upgrading protective gear/equipment
- Post-fire landscape restoration by reseeding burned zones to prevent erosion
- Scientific research on fire ecology to enhance understanding of wildfire impacts
With climate change exacerbating fires nationwide, the NIFC plays an indispensable part in safeguarding wildlife habitats, watersheds and carbon sinks across US public lands.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Great American Outdoors Act
The Great American Outdoors Act represents a historic investment in conservation, outdoor recreation access, and support for critical infrastructure in national parks and public lands.
Review of Key Takeaways and Legislative Achievements
The key components of the legislation include:
- Permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to invest in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and more
- Addressing the maintenance backlog in America's national parks and public lands
Overall, the Act is expected to:
- Improve infrastructure and facilities in national parks and public lands through dedicated funding
- Conserve additional lands for public use and outdoor recreation
- Enhance visitor experiences and access to nature
- Support local economies that rely on outdoor recreation and tourism
- Preserve natural habitats and protect wildlife
The passage of this legislation by Congress and signing into law by President Trump in 2020 was a major bipartisan achievement.
Future Outlook and Continued Advocacy
While the Great American Outdoors Act funds critical investments, additional work remains to ensure its successful implementation. Priorities going forward include:
- Careful allocation of funds to highest-priority infrastructure and conservation projects
- Ongoing advocacy to continue funding levels in future years
- Community engagement to best leverage investments locally
Continued bipartisan support will be needed to realize the full promise of this legislation for conservation, outdoor recreation, and stewardship of America's public lands.
