Washington, D.C. – This week, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) co-sponsored the National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation to reduce deferred maintenance at our national parks, advance public-private partnerships, and address pressing issues like park overcrowding by incentivizing innovative private-sector solutions.

“America’s National Parks provide recreational and restorative activities for families in Utah and across the nation,” said Rep Owens. “Utah is home to five breathtakingly beautiful National Parks, which serve as major tourist destinations and contribute to our local economy. I am proud to co-sponsor the National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act to innovatively solve overcrowding and maintenance challenges while keeping these parks open for generations to come.”

As the official charitable partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation (NPF) raises over $100 million annually in private funds to support America’s national parks. Created by Congress in the 1960’s, NPF is the only national non-partisan, non-profit organization with a mission tied to directly supporting the success of the National Park Service through private funding and strategic partnerships. The National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022 reauthorizes appropriations for the National Park Foundation (NPF), up to $15 million annually, through FY 2030. NPF appropriations require a minimum 1:1 match with private donations, which are used to fund vital park projects. NPF cannot use federal funds for overhead, administrative expenses, or land acquisition.

The full text of the legislation is available here. 

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