WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Donald Trump signed into law bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) that will preserve the nation’s public parks and other lands by fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and addressing the nearly $12 billion deferred maintenance backlog on federal lands, including North Carolina’s national parks which have a more than $459 million deferred maintenance backlog.

The Great American Outdoors Act will provide $9.5 billion in dedicated funding to clearing this backlog, allowing our national treasures like the Great Smoky Mountains and Cape Hatteras National Seashore to continue to be enjoyed by future generations. The bill was supported by more than 850 conservation organizations.

“North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful national parks including the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to have co-sponsored this bipartisan legislation and get it signed into law so we can preserve our parks and allow our kids and grandkids to enjoy them in their best form.”

North Carolina’s NPS Deferred Maintenance Backlog, as of 9/18:

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