Just in case you hadn’t heard, in celebration of the Great American Outdoors Act’s fifth anniversary entrance fees to over 400 National Park areas will not be charged today.
“What is the Great American Outdoors Act? Thanks for asking. The Great American Outdoors Act provides funding to improve infrastructure, address extensive and long-overdue maintenance and repair needs, and expand recreation opportunities in national parks. Over the last five years, hundreds of projects have been underway.” -National Park Service
NPS encourages everyone to visit parks to experience the benefits of GAOA projects. If you are looking for a National Park location near you please nps.gov and search by state to find options close to you (keep in mind the nearest park entrance may be behind you). Learn more about The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) below:
About The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA):
The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), passed in 2020, provides funding to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands. The legislation established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and guaranteed permanent funding for the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, supported by revenue from energy development, provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment for current and future visitors. GAOA, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other construction funding sources are part of a concerted effort to address extensive maintenance and repair backlog in national parks.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund receives up to $900 million a year from offshore oil and natural gas royalties. This funding assists national parks in the acquisition of essential lands and provides states with money to invest in local conservation and recreation opportunities.
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