News Release

New housing project completed in Glacier Bay with Great American Outdoors Act Funding

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Deputy Superintendent, Joni Seay, center right, and Aramark Destinations President & CEO Sasha Day, center left, join Park Service and concessioner staff to commemorate new housing near the Glacier Bay Lodge.

NPS Photo / D. Ellingson

News Release Date: August 4, 2025

Contact: Matthew Cahill, Public Information Officer, 907-697-2230

Bartlett Cove, Alaska. – Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve recently completed a $19 million construction contract funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. The project, a critical part of addressing deferred park maintenance and repair needs, dramatically improved the housing options for the concession employees who support visitor services in Bartlett Cove, including lodging and day tour operations. Old, substandard dormitory structures used by lodge employees since 1978 have been replaced with a housing facility compliant with modern building safety, fire, and accessibility codes.

"Today is the fifth anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act — landmark legislation that is making a huge difference in national parks, including Glacier Bay," said Deputy Superintendent Joni Seay. "The newly constructed concession dormitory is a vital piece of infrastructure that will help us better serve park visitors and is a significant step toward restoring the character and economic viability of the Glacier Bay Lodge Historic District.”

Opened in 1966 through the Mission 66 National Park Service initiative to expand visitor services and modernize park facilities, the Historic Glacier Bay Lodge is located approximately 9 miles from the rural town of Gustavus, Alaska. As a gateway to Glacier Bay, this front country development has always served a wide range of public users from backcountry campers to marine vessel operators to day tour passengers embarking at Bartlett Cove. The lodge offers the only in-park accommodations as well as food service and amenities for around 30,000 visitors annually.

“This investment is a game-changer for the park's concession operation, business practices and employee recruitment," said Facility Manager Bruce McDonough. "The new dormitory structures directly support the high-quality lodging and day tour operations in the park. Providing safe, modern and energy-efficient housing will help attract and retain staff who are essential for delivering top-tier experiences for visitors."

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