Yosemite in Winter
Sierra Sun Times file photo

January 7, 2019 - Congressman Tom McClintock today praised the decision of Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to release Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act funds for garbage collection, restroom servicing and other emergency maintenance at national parks during the government shutdown.

“FLREA funds paid by park visitors are specifically set aside for ‘repair, maintenance, and facility enhancement related directly to visitor enjoyment, visitor access, and health and safety,’ McClintock noted.  “Clearly these purposes fall within the parameters of the act and are not subject to the appropriations lapse.  In addition, I believe that the Park Service can also continue to fund these activities absent appropriations through the exceptions made in the Antideficiency Act for public health and safety and for the protection of federal property.”

“The extraordinary actions by this administration to minimize the disruptions to park vendors and visitors during this shutdown stand in stark contrast to the previous administration that went to such extremes as barricading highway turn-offs to prevent anyone from even getting a glimpse of Yosemite Valley.   The Obama administration went out of its way to deny the public the right to access the public lands; the Trump administration is doing everything it can to protect their right,” McClintock said.

Attached are Congressman McClintock’s letter to the Acting Secretary on January 4th and Mr. Bernhardt’s reply.
Source: Congressman Tom McClintock