NPS / Michael Quinn
The National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (Legacy Restoration Fund) established by the Great American Outdoors Act 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. 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.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for crucial investments in our nation’s most meaningful landscapes. The projects address key climate and environmental threats, upgrade trails, roads and buildings, support local economies, and incorporate partnerships. The historical, natural, recreational and educational features in national parks are being protected and preserved for the use and enjoyment of current and future visitors.
In Fiscal Year 21, GAOA provided approximately $1.33 billion for 47 large-scale projects and dozens of MAT projects. In Fiscal Year 22, GAOA provided approximately $1.25 billion for 34 projects. View fiscal year 2021 and 2022 Legacy Restoration Fund projects.
The 2022 budget outlines plans to spend $1.25 billion on 36 large projects in 14 states, including major road rehabilitation in six parks and water system upgrades in 11 parks. View the data sheets of the 2022 projects.
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.
Graphic designed by National Park Service
The image is an infographic titled "Great American Outdoors Act Delivering Benefits to You". It includes various national park-related illustrations including a backpacker and visitor in a wheelchair on a trail to a historic building, a hiker climbing a forested trail near a mountain range, and an eagle soaring above the mountains and sunset. Text throughout the graphic reads:
"The Great American Outdoors Act authorizes up to $1.3 billion per year from FY 2021 - FY 2025 for crucial infrastructure investments."
"These funds and projects help revitalize your national parks and generate billions in economic activity in communities across the nation by: supporting 43,700 jobs, creating $3 billion in labor market, and contributing $4.7 billion to the nation's gross domestic product."
"The Great American Outdoors Act established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF)."
"The Great American Outdoors Act authorizes up to $1.3 billion per year from FY 2021 - FY 2025 for crucial infrastructure investments."
"These funds and projects help revitalize your national parks and generate billions in economic activity in communities across the nation by: supporting 43,700 jobs, creating $3 billion in labor market, and contributing $4.7 billion to the nation's gross domestic product."
"The Great American Outdoors Act established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF)."
Fiscal Year 2021 Projects
Fiscal Year 2021 (October 2020-September 2021) National Park Service Great American Outdoors Act projects are listed below. They can be sorted by park name, state, or estimated funding amount in millions. View the data sheets of the 2021 projects.
| Park | State | Project Description | Funding Estimate (in millions) |
|---|
Fiscal Year 2022 Projects
Fiscal Year 22 (October 2021-September 2022) National Park Service Great American Outdoors Act projects are listed below. They can be sorted by park name, state, or estimated funding amount in millions. View the list of 2022 projects.
| Park | State | Project Description | Funding Estimate (in millions) |
|---|
Proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Projects
Proposed Fiscal Year 23 (October 2022-September 2023) National Park Service Great American Outdoors Act projects are listed below. They can be sorted by park name, state, or estimated funding amount in millions.
| Park | State | Project Description | Funding Estiamte (in millions) |
|---|
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. 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
The National Park Service also dedicated $14.1 million from the fiscal year 2021 Legacy Restoration Fund program to address smaller deferred maintenance needs in dozens of national parks through National Park Service Maintenance Action Teams (MAT).
Related Resources
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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.
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Land and Water Conservation Fund
The 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 Repairs
The National Park Service is working to address the repair backlog to preserve parks and provide a world-class visitor experience.
Last updated: February 1, 2023