News Release

Great American Outdoor Act

NPS Photo

News Release Date: October 10, 2024

Contact: Cassie Branstetter, 620-285-6911

Larned, KS – Recently, Fort Larned National Historic Site reduced the park’s deferred maintenance backlog using funding available to National Park Service units through the Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund.

These funds supported the replacement of aging roof surfaces, tuck pointing of historic stone masonry, window and door repairs, and the painting of wood features. This additional funding source also supported the completion of structural repairs to two porches.  The historic structures whose preservation was made possible with these funds includes the Quarter Master, Commissary/Arsenal buildings and the Commanding Officers’ Quarters. Overall, thirteen thousand square feet of fire-retardant cedar shingles were replaced, thirty-three windows and twelve doors were repaired, and fifteen thousand square feet of wood surfaces were painted.

These preservation efforts were led by the GAOA funded Maintenance Action Team (MAT), comprised of skilled craftspeople from the National Park Service Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC). They were also supported by an enthusiastic youth crew from the Student Conservation Association (SCA). HPTC recruits, trains, and employs people in traditional historic restoration and preservation techniques and trades. Several geographically based MATs travel to national parks to train and work alongside park staff to complete small, but critical, maintenance rehabilitation and repair projects on historic structures.

“We are grateful for the expertise that the MAT team brought to Fort Larned. With their skill and the funding available from GAOA, Fort Larned’s historic structures are well preserved and continue to tell the fascinating story of this 1860s army post,” said acting Superintendent Cassie Branstetter.

MATs enable the National Park Service to complete projects that require knowledge and competency in traditional trades in a consistent and cost-effective manner. They also serve as a beacon for traditional trade skills, allowing younger generations to learn and appreciate the importance of preserving our architectural heritage. 

Infrastructure funding from GAOA is part of a concerted effort to address the extensive deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, GAOA's Legacy Restoration Fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to the National Park Service. These funds make significant enhancements in national parks, ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.

Fort Larned National Historic Site, one of over 430 National Park units, is located six miles west of Larned, KS on Kansas Highway 156. You can find information to plan a visit on our Plan Your Visit page, by calling 620-285-6911 or emailing us.