The U.S. House introduced a bipartisan transportation bill with modest funding increases for national parks.
- The BUILD America 250 Act includes $1.8 billion for park roads and bridges, a $149 million increase over 2021 levels. - National parks face a $23 billion deferred maintenance backlog, with 46% of paved roads and 68% of bridges in fair or poor condition.
- The Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program would receive $80 million annually, but demand is five times higher. - NPCA warns that without more investment, visitor safety and local economies will suffer.
The bill is a step forward but falls short of urgent needs.