Bipartisan legislation boosts funding and support for the National Park Foundation
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored the National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act – bipartisan legislation increasing funding and support for the National Park Foundation.
“Arizona is home to some of our country’s most beautiful National Parks. Our bipartisan legislation increases Arizonans’ abilities to enjoy our state’s stunning public lands and helps protect our parks for generations to come,” said Sinema.
Currently, the National Park Foundation receives $5 million in annual appropriations that it can only access through a minimum one-to-one match with private donations. The Foundation regularly exceeds this figure, and often raises over $100 million each year to support America’s national parks. With its current authorization set to expire in 2023, the Foundation has over $20 million worth of projects in its pipeline.
Sinema’s legislation extends the Foundation’s authorization through 2030 and increases its annual appropriation to $15 million – ensuring it can complete current projects in the pipeline, maintain Arizona’s National Park Service sites, boost Arizona’s tourism industry, and generate economic growth.
Arizona’s outdoor recreation is a $21.2 billion industry, producing $1.4 billion annually in state and local revenue. Reauthorization of the National Park Foundation will support further job creation and economic opportunities.