Support for Our National Parks

Floor Speech

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Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's national parks are a cherished part of our country's legacy, and it is critical that they be preserved for generations to come.

Unfortunately, the National Park Service is facing an insurmountable backlog of deferred maintenance that is growing more urgent as decades- old agency structures reach the end of their anticipated lifespans. This is impacting some of our most beloved parks.

The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia is the country's second most visited National Park, supporting approximately 15,600 jobs and is a huge economic asset to nearby rural communities. Deferred maintenance has resulted in the unfortunate deterioration of its amenities and accessibility.

The National Park Service Legacy Act would establish a National Park Service Legacy Restoration Fund directly aimed at addressing the agency's backlog and fixing the issues facing the Blue Ridge Parkway. As a proud cosponsor of this innovative legislation, I encourage its vote and final passage in the House this Congress.

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