Contact: Mike Litterst, 202-306-4166 Contact: Marjorie Hall, 202-796-2536
WASHINGTON – Businessman and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein has pledged the funding needed for the National Park Service to modernize the Washington Monument elevator. The $2-3 million project will correct the elevator’s ongoing mechanical, electrical and computer issues, which have shuttered the monument since August 17.
"Mr. Rubenstein's continued support carries on the legacy of private citizens who came together to establish and support our national parks," said Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation. "His ongoing commitment to protect and enhance these treasured places ensures they will be accessible and preserved for all to enjoy." The National Park Service has also requested funding in its FY 2017 President’s Budget Request to construct a permanent screening facility for the Washington Monument. The Washington Monument is expected to re-open to visitors in 2019. For more information on the National Park Foundation’s Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks, please visit campaign.nationalparks.org. # # # ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 413 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary, the Foundation launched The Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks, a $350 million comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org. |
Last updated: December 2, 2016