Success! We’re excited to share a reintroduction of a bill in congress that will help fund maintenance for several buildings in our Indiana Dunes National Park. The bipartisan America the Beautiful Act was reintroduced by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Warner (D-VA). If passed, it would provide an additional $11.2 billion over eight years to address issues for National Park roads, buildings, and drinking systems (and many other needs) across the entire United States.

In 2020, Save the Dunes and other park supporters celebrated the passage of the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), the largest investment made in our national parks in more than 50 years. This bill allowed for up to $6.65 billion over five years dedicated to national parks, with approximately $22 million of this total going to our Indiana Dunes National Park to stabilize and restore three of its nationally significant historic buildings: The Bailly Homestead, Good Fellow Camp Lodge, and the House of Tomorrow. With the Great American Outdoors Act’s funding scheduled to end this year, it is imperative that the America the Beautiful Act passes, as it will ensure there is federal funding to continue addressing the deferred maintenance backlog for our national park buildings.

As stated on on the Indiana Dunes National Park Website, “the restoration of these buildings represents more than just a renovation project; it’s an opportunity to breathe new life into them and provide visitors with enriching experiences. Upon completion, these restored buildings will serve various purposes, including adaptive reuse through leasing that enhances the park’s offerings and invites visitors to connect with our shared history.”

As an official partner of Indiana Dunes National Park, Save the Dunes will continue to advocate for this important bill and advance shared goals in land preservation, habitat restoration, and public access—ensuring the dunes are protected for future generations to enjoy!