Gottheimer-Sponsored Bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act Passes House, Heads to President’s Desk — Addresses National Parks Maintenance Backlog

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, July 22, 2020, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) — the Great American Outdoors Act — to preserve and protect our country’s public lands and National Parks, like the Fifth District’s Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and all 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail that run through the Garden State.

The bill will provide permanent and full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the multibillion maintenance backlog in our National Parks and other land management agencies. The bill will also establish the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund.

The bipartisan bill, which passed the Senate last month, will now go to the President’s desk for signature — to ensure critical investments in our national parks, public lands, and conservation efforts today and into the future, as well to create more than 100,000 jobs across the U.S. at a time when they are needed most.

Earlier in July, the Problem Solvers Caucus, co-chaired by Gottheimer, officially endorsed the Great American Outdoors Act.

“This vital legislation — which the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed and I proudly cosponsored — will address the massive maintenance backlog impacting our National Parks and will invest in projects that will help create jobs during this economic crisis and in the future. As we continue social distancing, we must take care of our National Parks so Americans have places to enjoy nature and the great outdoors,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I’m very blessed to have the most beautiful District in the State of New Jersey, with all 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail that run through the Garden State, as well as the magnificent Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. We must work together to preserve these natural treasures for our future generations.”

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