Enzi Introduces Park Funding Bill

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi has introduced legislation that would address the nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog at our national parks without adding to the national debt. The National Travel and Tourism Office found that more than one-third of overseas travelers visited a national park or national monument in 2018. To help cover the cost of these visitors, who likely visited a park that has no entrance fee, Enzi’s legislation would authorize a fund paid for by increasing tourist B-1/B-2 visa fees, increasing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization fee and a modest park fee increase.  Because of growing visitation and limited resources, there is a backlog of maintenance work on roads, bridges, visitor centers, historic buildings, trails and campgrounds. Wyoming’s deferred maintenance backlog is estimated to be $700 million, including $470 million at Yellowstone and $179 million at Grand Teton National Parks.
 

Jackson Hole Radio