WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) that will preserve the nation’s public parks and other lands by fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the nearly $12 billion backlog on federal lands, including North Carolina’s national parks which have a more than $459 million deferred maintenance backlog.

The Great American Outdoors Act will provide $9.5 billion in dedicated funding to clearing this backlog, allowing our national treasures like the Great Smoky Mountains and Cape Hatteras National Seashore to continue to be enjoyed by future generations. The bill was supported by more than 850 conservation organizations.

“North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful national parks including the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway,” said Senator Tillis. “Generations before us took care of these cherished lands and we must do everything we can to preserve our parks so our kids and grandkids can enjoy them in their best form. Now more than ever North Carolinians recognize the importance of this monumental legislation as many seek an outdoor refuge in the age of coronavirus. I am proud to have supported this legislation and I look forward to the House’s quick passage.”

“This is a historic moment for land and water conservation in America,” Katherine Skinner, Executive Director of The NC Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. “Fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund and investing in our national parks and forests will help rejuvenate North Carolina’s outdoor recreational economy, create jobs, expand recreational access, and protect treasured landscapes for future generations. We are grateful for Senator Tillis’ leadership in this effort, and we urge the House of Representatives to quickly pass this critical investment in North Carolina’s natural resources.” 

North Carolina’s NPS Deferred Maintenance Backlog, as of 9/18:

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