National Park Restoration Fund Extended to 2033, Prioritizing Projects with 15% Private Match

The “America the Beautiful Act” is making some important tweaks to how we fund the maintenance and restoration of our national parks and public lands. Think of it as refinancing the national credit card we use to fix up trails, campgrounds, and facilities.

The Long Game: More Time, More Money

First up, the bill extends the life of the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund. This fund, which tackles the massive backlog of deferred maintenance (the stuff that needs fixing but keeps getting put off), was set to expire in fiscal year 2025. Now, it’s authorized to keep running through fiscal year 2033. That’s eight more years of dedicated funding for fixing up our public spaces. The total authorized amount is also getting a slight bump, rising from $1.9 billion to $2.0 billion.

This extension is huge for anyone who uses public lands, whether you’re a hiker in a national forest or a small-town contractor bidding on infrastructure repairs. It means the projects—like repairing a crumbling visitor center or replacing an outdated water system—will actually get done, ensuring these places are usable and safe for the long haul.

The 15% Match Rule: Incentivizing Private Help

One of the most interesting changes is the new prioritization rule. The Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture must now prioritize projects that secure private donations covering at least 15% of the total project cost. Essentially, if a local conservancy group or a generous individual steps up to cover a slice of the bill, that project moves to the front of the line for federal funding.

This is a clear incentive for private investment in public lands. For example, if a $1 million trail restoration project can secure $150,000 in private funds, it gets fast-tracked. The potential downside? Projects in more remote or less-visited areas that struggle to attract private donors might inadvertently get left behind, even if they have critical maintenance needs.

Making Donations Easier Than Buying Coffee

If you’ve ever wanted to chip in a few bucks for a park but didn’t know how, the bill is fixing that. The Secretaries must now actively promote ways the public can donate, including setting up digital and physical donation spots at project sites. The coolest new feature is that you can now donate when you buy a Federal recreational site pass or an America the Beautiful pass online or in person. This turns a simple transaction into a micro-donation opportunity, making it easy for millions of park visitors to contribute directly to the Fund.

Clearing Out the Clutter and Reporting for Duty

The bill also gives federal land managers the authority to get rid of constructed assets—think old, unused sheds or outdated buildings—that are on the deferred maintenance list but no longer serve the public or fit the site’s mission. This is a common-sense move: why spend money fixing something that nobody needs anymore?

Finally, the bill demands accountability. Within one year, the agencies must report to Congress on what steps they are taking without using the Fund’s money to reduce their maintenance backlog. Even more critically, they must provide a concrete plan for increasing routine and preventative maintenance in the future. This forces agencies to stop playing catch-up and start focusing on keeping things fixed before they break, which is a win for efficiency and taxpayers alike.