Multiple outlets report that the Trump administration directs National Park Service (NPS) funds collected through visitor entrance fees to Washington, D.C.-based projects. Contracts and reporting cited by The New York Times and The Hill say the administration spends at least $60 million—figures reported range up to about $73 million—on work intended to improve or “beautify” parts of the capital in advance of the country’s 250th anniversary. The projects include fixes to fountains in Washington and work related to the Reflecting Pool. The funding is described as coming from the Recreation Enhancement Fee Program, which collects money from park visitors who pay entrance or related fees. These funds are then used by the NPS for specific projects, including contracts connected to sites and landscaping in Washington. The reports characterize the spending as using park-visitor fee revenue for D.C. infrastructure and aesthetic improvements, based on contract disclosures reviewed by the outlets.
National Park entrance fees fund Washington, D.C. projects tied to Trump
Multiple outlets report that the Trump administration directs National Park Service (NPS) funds collected through visitor entrance fees to Washington, D.C.-based projects. Contracts and reporting cite...
- The reported funding comes from National Park Service visitor entrance fees via the Recreation Enhancement Fee Program.
- Contracts show money is being spent on Washington, D.C.-based projects.
- Reported work includes improvements or repairs related to fountains and the Reflecting Pool.
- Outlets report spending totals that are at least about $60 million, with another report citing around $73 million.
- The spending is described as tied to efforts to prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
{beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story At least $73M going toward DC NPS projects At least $60 million from a National Park Service (NPS) entrance fee fund is going toward Washington, D.C.-based projects as President Trump seeks to “beautify” the city ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, contracts reveal. ©...
2 months agoAt least $60 million in National Park Service (NPS) funds are going toward Washington, D.C.-based projects as President Trump seeks to “beautify” the city ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, contracts reveal. Projects that aim to improve city fountains and memorials are being funded by NPS funds that are collected through the Recreation Enhancement Fee Program. This program receives funding from visitor entrance fees. At least...
2 months agoThe administration is spending at least $67 million worth of fees paid by visitors to national parks on fixing D.C. fountains and the Reflecting Pool.
2 months ago
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