NPS enters its busy season hobbled by the Sequester and budget cuts that are adversely affecting park operations.
Welcome Director Jarvis. With the weather here in Washington D.C. this week and the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in full bloom, it is a reminder that the National Park Service (NPS) is about to enter its busy summer visitor season. But this year the NPS enters its busy season hobbled by the Sequester and budget cuts that are adversely affecting park operations.
The public will soon see the impact of these cuts, which includes a cut of $139 million in park operations, as they set out to visit our national parks. Millions of Americans want to enjoy the beauty, history, and relaxation that our national parks have to offer. Many will heed the call of our old friend John Muir when he encouraged the public to:
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
Unfortunately, with the budget cuts the NPS must implement over the remainder of the current fiscal year, many of our constituents will have a diminished experience when they visit our national parks this summer.
There seems to be little that can be done to correct the budgetary shortfalls the NPS finds itself facing before the end of summer. But, I am glad to see that this new fiscal year 2014 budget request turns the page on the Sequester and begins to move the National Park Service forward again. This NPS budget is by no means extravagant. The pressures on funding over the past several years have taken their toll on park operations and this budget is just a start on getting the National Park System on a more firm financial ground.
I can and do support the increases in funding that are being requested but some of the decreases being proposed such as offsets in certain operations, maintenance, and construction accounts do give me pause, as I am concerned that they could further fray the fabric of the National Park System.
Director Jarvis, I appreciate the good work you and the dedicated employees of the National Park Service do day in and day out. I look forward to hearing from you this morning on how the National Park Service will, under this budget request, continue to carry out its proud mission as guardians of our national parks.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
