Winter in Yosemite National Park
Sierra Sun Times file photo

December 23, 2019 -  WASHINGTON—Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service, issued the following statement regarding final enactment of legislation to provide Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations for the Department of the Interior:

“The National Park Foundation celebrates enactment of Fiscal Year 2020 funding for the Department of the Interior and National Park Service. The Foundation is honored to receive $5 million as authorized under the National Park Service Centennial Act (PL-114-289, Section 402).

The Foundation welcomes the opportunity to leverage $5 million in federal funding at least $1:$1 with philanthropic contributions for the benefit of key projects and programs across the National Park System. With support from our strong community of national park partners, the Foundation looks forward carrying out this important work in partnership with the National Park Service.

The Foundation is deeply grateful for House Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Chair Betty McCollum and Ranking Member Dave Joyce as well as Senate Appropriations’ Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Chairman Lisa Murkowski and Ranking Member Tom Udall. Their leadership in providing robust resources for the National Park Service and fully funding the Foundation’s appropriation will ensure our treasured parks continue to thrive.

We commend President Trump for signing this critical funding into law, as well as leadership in the House of Representatives and the Senate for moving spending legislation forward. We thank House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer for their work to reach agreement on Fiscal Year 2020 funding.

The Foundation applauds House Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman Nita Lowey, Ranking Member Kay Granger, Senate Committee on Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby, and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy for their unwavering commitment to completing the appropriations process.”

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.
Source: NPF