2015 Presidential Budget Requests $3 billion for the National Park Service

President Obama signs copies of the FY 2015 Budget as Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Director, Office of Management and Budget, and OMB staff look on in the Oval Office, March 4, 2014.

Official White House Photo

News Release Date: February 3, 2015

President's Budget Requests $3 billion dollars for NPS 

Innovative Centennial Initiative Proposes Robust Investment to Revitalize National Parks and Public Lands for the Next Century

Washington, D.C.  – President Obama's budget request for fiscal year 2016 –the centennial year of the National Park Service –includes $3 billion for the bureau's critical conservation, preservation, and recreation mission. The budget boosts the National Park Service's essential programs and operational needs by $432.9 million. It is significant for Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument and parks around the country because it prepares us to welcome a new generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates to experience national parks.

"In 2016, the National Park Service will celebrate its Centennial by inviting hundreds of millions of Americans to find their park by visiting a park and sharing their favorite park story," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "This budget will prepare the National Park Service to ensure that every one of those visitors has a wonderful and safe experience."

Jarvis said, "This is an investment in America' Best idea" that pays dividends in gateway communities across the nation. For every dollar appropriated to the National Park Service in the President's 2016 Centennial budget, $10 is returned to the American economy in the form of visitor spending, travel and tourism and construction jobs.

"The President's request contains all the elements necessary for those of us who tend to America's Best Idea to repair an ageing infrastructure, respond to climate change, host school field trips, and provide rangers to greet nearly 300 million visitors with the highest standard of public service," Jarvis said.

The budget proposal would provide targeted increases for the National Park Service Centennial Initiative, a multi-year effort to support the preservation of America's natural, cultural and historic treasures, invest wisely in the National Park System's most important assets, expand the use of parks for informal learning and recreation, engage 600,000 volunteers, and enhance the National Park Service's ability to leverage partnerships to accomplish its mission. It also proposes funds to celebrate civil rights in America through targeted investments to highlight the struggle undertaken by Americans to secure civil rights and liberties;actions that inspired many groups in America and around the world to continue to pursue progress for civil rights.

As the keeper of 405 national parks, 23 national scenic and national historic trails, and 60 wild and scenic rivers, the National Park Service is charged with preserving these lands and historic features for their cultural and historic significance, scenic and environmental worth, and educational and recreational opportunities. Additionally, National Park Service grant and technical assistance programs help revitalize communities and expand local recreation opportunities across the country.