New and Innovative Ideas for the Next Century of Our National Parks

Chairman McClintock, Ranking Member Tsongas and members of the subcommittee, I am Craig Obey, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). On behalf of our more than one million members and supporters across the country, I thank you for inviting me to testify today at this important hearing. Founded in 1919, NPCA is the leading, independent, private citizen voice in support of promoting, protecting and enhancing America’s national parks for present and future generations. We appreciate your attention to the fiscal needs of our national parks and the search for innovative ideas as the nation approaches next year’s historic National Park System Centennial. Many Members of Congress, including many members on this subcommittee, have expressed deep concern about the fiscal challenges facing the National Park Service. Years of underfunding have led to significant annual funding shortfalls to operate the National Park System and to the $11.5 billion deferred maintenance backlog, in addition to a backlog of needed land acquisition projects. As the Centennial of the National Park Service and System approaches in 2016, we hope Congress will work in a bipartisan fashion to support “America’s best idea.” Now is the time to reinvest in our national parks, through both traditional and creative new approaches…