Tag: National Parks

KGVO: New Help for Housing Crunch Outside Montana’s Parks

Dennis Bragg Published: January 25, 2024 It’s not just Montana communities in general that are having a difficult time with housing during the current growth spurt. The smaller communities that border Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks are feeling the pressure in another way, attempting to provide enough housing for the employees working in both the parks and the many tourism-related businesses that are a key part of their local economies. There’s progress to report on a solution to the crunch, as word comes this week Congress is greenlighting legislation providing funding and assistance to deal with the problem. “Gateway Bill” was first proposed last year Last summer, the Senate

Daines, King Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Gateway Communities That Serve National Park Visitors

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Angus King (I-Maine), the Ranking Member and Chairman, respectively, of the Senate’s National Parks Subcommittee, introduced the bipartisan “Gateway Community and Recreation Enhancement Act”. The bipartisan bill will support gateway communities and address challenges facing national parks and public lands like increased visitation and housing shortages, boosting visitation at lesser-known parks and recreation areas and requires a digital version of the America the Beautiful annual pass. “Montana’s national parks and public lands are the crown jewels of the United States, and our Montana gateway communities know firsthand the benefits and the challenges they bring. Just as we protect our great

Chairman Daines Calls for Action to Address National Park Maintenance Backlog

U.S. SENATE – Today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on National Parks, chaired a congressional hearing to discuss his bill, the Restore Our Parks Act, and call for action of the National Park System’s maintenance backlog. The Restore Our Parks Act would create a National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund that would receive revenue from energy development and private donors. Currently, the National Park Service backlog is $11.6 billion. Montana’s backlog is roughly $217.5 million, with the largest portion, $153.8 million, at Glacier National Park.  Chairman Daines gave opening remarks during the hearing.

Daines Secures $825 Million to Address National Park Maintenance Backlog

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines secured $825 million in the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to help address the National Park maintenance backlog. The National Park Service is currently suffering from an $11 billion maintenance backlog, impacting trail upkeep, cleanliness of facilities and the quality of campgrounds. “Montana’s National Parks are part of what makes America special,” said Daines. “These critical funds will help protect Montana’s national treasures and support our outdoor economy.” Daines also secured additional Montana wins in appropriations bills, including provisions to fight Montana’s meth epidemic, prevent school violence, protect

Daines: Our National Parks are what make us Distinctly American

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate in celebration of National Park Week. This follows the recent passage of Daines’ bipartisan resolution which designates April 21 through April 29 as National Park Week.  This resolution encourages people around the country and world to spend time in America’s treasured national parks.  “As a fifth-generation Montanan and as someone who grew up just a short drive from America’s first national park, Yellowstone, I am excited to take this opportunity to celebrate the parks that are so special to us all,” said Daines. Watch video

Daines, King Bill Passes Celebrating National Park Week

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME) today passed their bipartisan resolution to mark April 21 through April 29 as National Park Week.  This resolution encourages people around the country and world to spend time in America’s treasured national parks. In honor of National Park Week, entrance into all national parks will be free on April 21.   “Our national parks are an important part of the American experience,” said Daines. “Whether you are in Yellowstone or the North Cascades, I’m glad my colleagues joined me in encouraging folks to get out there and enjoy our nation’s treasures.”   “National

Daines, King Celebrate National Parks

Introduce bipartisan resolution to dedicate National Park Week  U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Angus King (I-ME) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to mark April 21 through April 29 as National Park Week.  This resolution encourages people around the country and world to spend time in America’s treasured national parks. In honor of National Park Week, entrance into all national parks will be free on April 21.  “As a fifth-generation Montanan, I believe our national parks are some of this nation’s greatest treasures,” said Daines. “This week is a great opportunity to encourage folks to get outside with their friends

Daines Calls for Immediate Action on National Parks Maintenance Backlog

U.S. SENATE — During a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the National Park Service deferred maintenance backlog, U.S. Senator Steve Daines, Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee, urged for immediate action to address the backlog.  “Our National Parks in Montana and around the country make us uniquely American,” said Daines. “We must ensure they remain in the best condition possible for future generations and accessible for all families.” Daines questioned Lena McDowall, Deputy Director National Park Service, what steps the Administration has already taken to address the backlog. Watch video HERE. Download video HERE.  During the hearing, Daines

Daines Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Help Restore and Rebuild National Parks

Bill will help pay for $11 billion National Park maintenance backlog, including buildings, campgrounds, trails and water systems   U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today joined a group of eight senators and two representatives to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will use revenues from energy production on federal lands to help pay for the over $11 billion maintenance backlog at U.S. national parks. The legislation was announced during a press conference with Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. Daines and his Senate and House colleagues have been working with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on the National Park Restoration Act, which will help restore and rebuild roads, buildings, campgrounds,

Daines Proposes Bipartisan, Bicameral Solution to National Parks Maintenance Backlog

Daines set to introduce legislation to implement Administration’s proposal to help restore and rebuild national parks U.S. SENATE — United States Senator Steve Daines released the following statement on the inclusion of a proposal to help address the National Park Service maintenance backlog in President Trump’s infrastructure plan and the Department of the Interior’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget request. In the coming weeks, Daines will introduce legislation to implement the Administration’s proposal to help restore and rebuild national parks. “Montana’s national parks are national treasures that must be accessible to Montanans and Americans across the country. They are important drivers of our