The image is an infographic titled "Great American Outdoors Act". It includes illustrations of park visitors reading a brochure and signs in an area with a historic building, field, and woods.
Text reads "The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) authorizes up to $1.3 billion per year from FY 2021 - FY 2025 for crucial infrastructure investments. These funds help revitalize your national parks and generate billions in economic activity in communities across the nation by:
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Supporting 57,860 jobs
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Creating $4 billion in labor market
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Contributing $6.3 billion to the nation's gross domestic product.
The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) established the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF)."
Image designed by the National Park Service
The National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) established by the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion each year for five years, or $6.5 billion total, to address extensive and long overdue maintenance needs in national parks.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for crucial investments in our nation’s most meaningful landscapes. The network of roads, trails, restrooms, water treatment systems, and visitor facilities in national parks is aging and often exceeds the capacity for which it was designed. GAOA projects address key climate and environmental threats, upgrade trails, roads and buildings, support local economies, and incorporate partnerships. The funding helps protect and preserve historical, natural, recreational and educational features in national parks for the use and enjoyment of current and future visitors.
Since receiving Congressional approval to initiate work on GAOA Legacy Restoration Fund projects, the National Park Service programmed more than $4.8 billion over three fiscal years to support high-priority deferred maintenance projects spanning all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
From Fiscal Year 2021 through Fiscal Year 2023, GAOA Legacy Restoration Fund has provided about $4 billion in funding for over 100 large-scale projects and 270 smaller, historic preservation activities.
Explore the projects currently funded LRF using interactive tools and see how GAOA is making an impact across the country or in your state. Download a list of projects for Fiscal Years 2021 to 2023 (XLXS 380KB) and a list of proposed projects for Fiscal Year 2024 (XLXS 384KB).
Legacy Restoration Fund Stories
Maintenance Action Teams (MAT)
Maintenance Action Teams are tackling deferred maintenance projects funded by the Legacy Restoration Fund.
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.
How the National Park Service Selects GAOA Projects
GAOA’s Legacy Restoration Fund is the largest funding source available to the National Park Service for major maintenance and construction projects. It addresses necessary large-scale projects on a level that could not be met through usual funding sources.
The project selection criteria include:
- Addressing large projects that have been delayed because the cost exceeds funding capabilities
- Readiness and capacity to do the job
Maintenance Action Teams are using approximately $37.4 million from the Legacy Restoration Fund to complete more than 270 smaller historic preservation maintenance and repair activities throughout the country.
These geographically based teams of skilled NPS employees trained in traditional historical preservation techniques preserve history for visitors today and in the future. You can find more information about completed MAT projects by visiting the interactive map, and project stories.
Related Resources
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GAOA News & StoriesAs GAOA projects get underway, stay up to date with news releases and discover stories about how GAOA is making a difference.
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Land and Water Conservation FundThe Land and Water Conservation Fund gives back to communities by providing grants to protect local lands and waters.
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Deferred Maintenance and RepairsThe National Park Service is working to address the repair backlog to preserve parks and provide a world-class visitor experience.
Last updated: July 27, 2023