“I call on all Americans to help in these efforts and to enhance our parks as we get ready for the National Park Service’s centennial celebration. Through continuing cooperation and partnership, our national parks can endure for the next 100 years and beyond.”
President George Bush, August 25, 2006
Today, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced that President Bush is proposing up to $3 billion of new public and private investment over the next 10 years for the National Park Centennial Initiative to prepare parks for their 100th anniversary in 2016. This historic multi-year investment begins in FY2008 with the President's $2.4 billion national park budget -- the largest ever proposed for operations and programs that benefit parks.
The President's strategy for preparing parks for another century of conservation, preservation and enjoyment is to increase both park operating funds and leveraged public and private investment for signature programs and projects. The FY2008 budget and long-term investment plan are the first steps in carrying out the President's National Park Centennial Initiative announced in Yellowstone on August 25, 2006, the 90th anniversary of the National Park Service.
The 2008 Budget Launches the National Park Centennial Initiative. Could Provide up to $3 Billion over 10 Years To Prepare Parks For Another Century Of Conservation, Preservation And Enjoyment.
- The President’s Centennial Commitment: $100 million per year for 10 years in federal spending will fund new levels of excellence in parks. These funds will hire 3,000 more seasonal national park rangers, guides and maintenance workers; repair buildings; improve landscapes; and enroll more children in Junior/Web Ranger programs.
- The President’s Centennial Challenge: Each year for the next 10 years, $100 million of annual mandatory federal spending will be available to match at least $100 million in private contributions to national parks. This Centennial Challenge continues the legacy of leveraging public and private investment for the benefit of national parks and their visitors. Parks now receive about $20 million each year in cash gifts. The Centennial Challenge will increase the level of giving and help pay for signature programs and projects identified through a public, open, and transparent process.
The Federal Share Of These Funds, When Combined With Other Funds That Pay For Daily Park Services, Makes The Operating Budget The Largest In History.
- The National Park Service operating budget for the first time ever will exceed $2 billion. This is $258 million over FY2006 spending. An additional $200 million will be available for parks through the President’s Centennial Challenge public/private match.
Funding For The Total Of All Programs Benefiting National Parks – Operations, Construction, And Park Land Acquisition – Is $2.3 Billion, The Highest In History.
- All 390 national parks will benefit from the increased funding in this budget.
Next Steps to Advance the President’s National Park Centennial Challenge. After seeking comments from Americans who care about national parks during listening sessions in every region of the country, Secretary Kempthorne and National Park Service Director Mary Bomar will identify signature projects and set goals to be achieved by the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary in 2016. These goals will result in more ranger-led programs, restored natural and cultural sites and greater volunteerism and philanthropy. Secretary Kempthorne and Director Bomar will present their recommended goals and actions to the President by May 31, 2007.