House Natural Resources Committee Holds Hearing on NPS Centennial Act Discussion Draft

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing December 2 on a National Park Service Centennial Act discussion draft.  The draft – assembled under the leadership of Natural Resources Committee Chair Rob Bishop (R-UT) –  reflects the Congress’ strong desire for recreation enhancements on federal lands and new financial strategies beyond appropriations.  The legislation’s purpose statement makes this clear saying, “To prepare the National Park Service for its Centennial in 2016 and for a second century of promoting and protecting the natural, historic, and cultural resources of our National Parks for the enjoyment of present and future generations, and for other purposes.”  This latest hearing follows several hearings in both the House and Senate over the last few months where Members of Congress have expressed strong, bipartisan support for increasing visitor services that would attract more Americans to their Great Outdoors -- a wonderful opportunity for real progress during the 114th Congress. 

NPHA supplied testimony to the hearing which can be found here.