April 24, 2008

National Park Service Centennial Challenge Announcements

Norm spoke at the announcement ceremony for the first round of awards in the Centennial Challenge Initiative. Private businesses and agencies were challenged to match up to $100 million in federal funding per year to improve park facilities and services in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the park service in 2016. Norm's full remarks are below:

"I am proud to be here for the announcement of the first projects funded under the Centennial Challenge, along with many of my friends who share a passion for our National Parks. I think that the Centennial Challenge represents the best of public-private partnerships – with Americans engaged in improving their National Parks.

"As all of you know, the Centennial Initiative is a 10-year effort to prepare for the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Park Service in 2016. As we get ready for this milestone, we also are preparing for another century of conservation, preservation and enjoyment. I hope that another enduring legacy of this effort will be to engage new generations of Americans in the values of their National Parks and ensure their care for a second century.

"I am especially proud of the fact that as Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, we made the first down payment on the Centennial Challenge, first with the extra $100 million in “operations” funding and then with the nearly $25 million in so-called “mandatory” spending that has been matched with $27 million in private money. I am gratified that those efforts last year lead directly to today’s announcement of $51 million worth of projects and programs to be undertaken this year throughout the Park system. And because of the $100 million increase in the operating budget, there will be 3000 new seasonal workers to enhance visitor services this summer.

"Now we must work to get the “mandatory” one-third of the Centennial Challenge authorized. This “mandatory” part of the Centennial Challenge is what brings in the private-sector matching funds – and there has been more than $300 million identified so far from willing donors. Let me pledge to you here today that I will continue working with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rahall to get this key legislation passed. Although the projects being announced here today are an important first step, just imagine the type of blockbuster, signature projects we could be announcing in future years when the Centennial Challenge gets fully funded.

"Today we see the proof that Americans love their National Parks. These projects, and the ones to follow over the next 9 years, will represent the cornerstones of a new Century for the National Park Service and a new era of partnership with the American people."

April 24, 2008: Norm at the awards ceremony for the Centennial Challenge Initiative, where the first round of matching funds were announced. This challenge is a public-private partnership to improve services and facilities in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the park service in 2016.

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