The Centennial Challenge Initiative announced by Secretary Kempthorne, Director Bomar and President Bush will be a major boost to help ready the National Park System for its 100th Anniversary in 2016. This is a multifaceted approach, with public and private funding, to:

• engage all Americans in preserving our heritage,
• connect them with their parks with a special emphasis on linking children to nature, history and park resources, and to
• strengthen park operations and keep them sustainable in the next 100 years.

The Challenge has three components to bring $3 billion in additional support to the parks over the next 10 years:

• A Centennial Commitment of $1 billion in $100 million per year appropriations for new park operational increases to restore needed seasonal staff and make needed improvements in parks and programs.
• A Centennial Challenge of $1 billion in $100 million per year appropriations for signature projects and programs in parks to match philanthropic support.
• A Centennial Match of $1 billion to be raised through matching philanthropic contributions by our nonprofit park partners for park projects and programs.

The Centennial Challenge Initiative is a partnership between the Federal Government and all of our park partners and the people of America to realize the potential of the National Park System. It will offer great potential for partnerships and elevate the visibility and position of park philanthropy in the United States. This page will serve as an information resource on the Centennial Challenge as it evolves. For more information on the Centennial Challenge Initiative, visit http://www.nps.gov/2016

Briefing Statements and Fact Sheets
"Secretary Kempthorne, NPS Director Bomar to Hold Listening Sessions on National Park Centennial Initiative", Office of the Secretary of the Interior News Release, March 9, 2007 (pdf - 19k)

"Kempthorne: President's Centennial Initiative Calls for $3 Billion to Improve, Expand National Park Programs", Department of the Interior News Release, January, 2007 (pdf - 43k)

Extract from Remarks by Secretary Kempthorne on the FY08 Budget Regarding NPS Centennial Challenge, February 5, 2007 (pdf - 11k)

Department of Interior Centennial Initiative Fact Sheet (pdf - 20.7k)

White House Fact Sheet: The National Park Centennial Initiative (pdf - 19k)

Director Bomar's Memorandum on the President's Budget and NPS Centennial Challenge, February 5, 2007 (pdf - 8k)

National Park Service Public Affairs Office Talking Points: Fiscal Year 2008 National Park Service Budget, February 2, 2007 (pdf - 31k)

National Park Service Public Affairs Office Talking Points: National Park Centennial Initiative (pdf - 19k)

Press Clippings
"President's NPS Budget Proposes Record Increases for Park Operations and Centennial Initiative for $3 Billion Public-Private Investment Over 10 Years", NPS News Release, February, 5, 2007 (pdf - 38k)

President Bush Discusses Centennial Initiative, February 8, 2007 (pdf - 12k)

"A Centennial Challenge", Washington Times Editorial, February 2, 2007 (pdf - 11k)

"National Parks Plan Should be Approved", Wheeling (WV) News Register, February 7, 2007 (pdf - 8k)

"National Park Service Looks to Add Guides and Rangers", Wall Street Journal, February 6, 2007 (pdf - 7k)

"Administration's Budget Makes Unprecedented Step Toward Restoring National Parks for Centennial", National Parks Conservation Association Press Release, February 5, 2007 (pdf - 8k)

"Administration's Budget Request for National parks Gives Healthy Boost for Fun Outdoor Experiences", American Recreation Coalition Press Release, February 5, 2007 (pdf - 8k)