Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) has announced his support for the America the Beautiful Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine). The legislation aims to strengthen and reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), which addresses maintenance backlogs in national parks and public lands.
Husted emphasized the importance of maintaining these sites. “America’s national parks need proper maintenance for people across the world to continue to enjoy our great outdoors and natural beauty. This bill would address more than $40 billion in deferred maintenance across national parks and public lands, including repairs in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Wayne National Forest. I’m proud to support it to help keep our lands healthy, safe and beautiful for the millions of visitors who visit them each year,” said Husted.
The LRF previously provided up to $1.3 billion annually from 2021 through 2025, totaling $6.5 billion, for overdue maintenance projects at national parks. The new bill would extend funding through 2033, increasing it to $2 billion per year.
Bill Stanley, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio, stated: “Our National Parks and other public lands are an essential part of the fabric that makes our nation so great. They are unique, and they contribute to the health and well-being of people in America, provide critical habitat for plants and animals, and are key drivers of our nation’s—and Ohio’s—outdoor recreation economy. The federal government led the development of this system, and the America the Beautiful Act continues the essential investment into the long-term health and productivity of these special places.”
Greg Peckham, President & CEO of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park added: “We applaud Senator Husted’s support to advance the America the Beautiful Act. Our national parks are vital resources that inspire wonder, foster adventure, and strengthen local economies. The projects supported by this legislation will ensure these iconic places remain safe and accessible for all Americans, including the nearly three million annual visitors to Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park.”
Sean Terry, Ohio State Director for Trust for Public Land said: “Trust for Public Land appreciates Senator Husted’s support for the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, which continues to deliver significant benefits for America’s public lands. These investments have strengthened essential infrastructure, safeguarded natural and cultural resources, and supported the local economies that rely on them. This impact is evident at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a nationally significant destination that welcomes nearly 3 million visitors each year.”
Currently reported maintenance backlogs include $23.26 billion for U.S. Park Service sites such as Cuyahoga Valley National Park; $8.695 billion with U.S. Forest Service; $2.65 billion with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; $5.72 billion with U.S. Bureau of Land Management; as well as $804.5 million affecting facilities under U.S. Bureau of Indian Education.
The full text of America the Beautiful Act is available online.
