Success! Bipartisan Support Advances the Great American Outdoors Act

Bipartisan Efforts Support The Reauthorization of Programs in the Great American Outdoors Act

Guest Blog – Advocacy Intern Emily Neyens

In June, the House Committee on National Resources introduced the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) 250, a proposal to extend the funding created by the original GAOA to continue repairing aging infrastructure in national parks and public lands. If passed, the legislation would authorize up to $1.9 billion annually for five years to continue repairing roads, trails, visitor centers, water systems, and other infrastructure.

Passed in 2020, the GAOA permanently funded the Land and Water Conservation Fund and created the five-year authorization of the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF). While the GAOA remains in effect, the LRF authorization expired after fiscal year 2025.

Since its creation, the LRF has helped address hundreds of overdue maintenance projects in national parks. These investments have restored critical infrastructure, improved visitor experiences, protected cultural and natural resources, and supported jobs across the country. With a repair backlog of $24 billion and continued staffing shortages delaying critical projects, the LRF serves as a vital source of funding for national parks.

Specifically, the LRF has invested $22 million in restoration and repair projects at Indiana Dunes National Park. Among the accomplishments made possible by this funding is the restoration of three iconic historic structures: the Bailly Homestead, Good Fellow Camp Lodge, and the House of Tomorrow.

The LRF has been crucial to the park’s success and maintenance, as these renovations have enhanced visitor experiences and preserved important pieces of our shared history. Located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park protects a nationally significant landscape while welcoming millions of visitors each year. Because the park protects nationally significant natural resources while welcoming millions of visitors each year, it requires continued investment in infrastructure, historic preservation, and visitor facilities to ensure the park remains safe and accessible for future generations.

Both the original 2020 GAOA and the current reauthorization efforts enjoy strong bipartisan support. The original GAOA bill passed with broad backing from Republicans and Democrats who recognized the need to address the deferred maintenance backlog across federal land agencies. That same cross-party cooperation continues today. This sustained bipartisan support highlights the shared interest in investing in public lands and outdoor recreation infrastructure.

We commend Congress for coming together to support America’s public lands and national parks. We also thank Congressman Frank J. Mrvan and Congressman Rudy Yakym for their leadership in cosponsoring the House version of this legislation!

Success! Bipartisan Support Advances the Great American Outdoors Act

Bipartisan Efforts Support The Reauthorization of Programs in the Great American Outdoors Act

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