National Parks Centennial Initiative

The National Parks Centennial Initiative is a proposal to provide $1 billion for the National Parks System during the years leading up to 2016. The Initiative includes a Centennial Challenge under which contributions from private sources would be matched by an equal amount from the federal government. On June 10, an editorial in The New York Times pointed out that action is needed to move the Centennial legislation forward.

Current proposals include the National Park Centennial Fund Act (HR 3094) in the House and a companion bill (S 2817) in the Senate. These bills would provide mandatory funding of $100 million per year and encourage, but not require, matching private funds. Information on the Centennial Initiative is available on the web site of the National Parks Conservation Association.

Since the Centennial Initiative is a potential means of supporting needed projects and programs in the C&O Canal National Historical Park and in other parks, supporters may wish to communicate with their representatives and senators on the subject.

Back to news