Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA)

Two maintenance workers repaving a road
Improvements to infrastructure through GAOA will increase opportunities for everyone to experience their national parks.

NPS Photo

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), passed in 2020, provides funding to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands. The legislation established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and guaranteed permanent funding for the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, supported by revenue from energy development, provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment for current and future visitors. GAOA, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other construction funding sources are part of a concerted effort to address extensive maintenance and repair backlog in national parks.    

The Land and Water Conservation Fund receives up to $900 million a year from offshore oil and natural gas royalties. This funding assists national parks in the acquisition of essential lands and provides states with money to invest in local conservation and recreation opportunities.

Construction crews and a large crane on a bridge under construction
Legacy Restoration Fund

The National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund addresses extensive and long overdue maintenance and repair needs.

Kids running with kites in a grass field
Land and Water Conservation Fund

The Land and Water Conservation Fund gives back to communities by providing grants to protect local lands and waters.

Preservationist working on a window frame of a wooden building
Maintenance Action Teams (MAT)

Maintenance Action Teams are tackling deferred maintenance projects funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund.

Group breaking ground on a construction project
GAOA News & Stories

As GAOA projects get underway, stay up to date with news releases and discover stories about how GAOA is making a difference.

A couple of construction crew members working with an excavator
Contracting Community

Are you looking to do business with the National Park Service? Get details on how to access and bid on projects.

Last updated: December 2, 2023