Letter to Lisa Murkowski, Chairman and Tom Udall, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies - National Parks Maintenance Backlog

Letter

Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall:

As you begin drafting the fiscal year 2017 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill, we would request that you once again provide sufficient funding to allow the National Park Service to significantly address the backlog maintenance issue which is seriously impeding the visitor experience in our national parks.

With a nearly $6 billion maintenance backlog attributable to the type of repair, rehabilitation and cyclic maintenance projects that receive funding through the Interior appropriations bill, it is imperative that the noteworthy increases provided last year be sustained or increased.

In addition to protecting some of our nation's most awe-inspiring land and important historic sites, our National Park System serves as an important economic engine both nationally and in adjacent communities. It is crucial that national park facilities be kept safe and accessible so they may continue to welcome and educate the millions of American and international visitors who pass through their gates each year.

Thank you for your continued support of our national parks and for your consideration of this request.