National Park Service Authorities and Corrections Act

The National Park Service Authorities and Corrections Act (H.R. 3804), introduced by Representative Paul Tonko, would help the U.S. National Park Services move forward and continue its vital work in preserving our parks, heritage areas, forests, and public lands.

The bill would raise the ceiling for the popular Volunteers in Parks program from $3.5 million to $10 million. The money is used to reimburse volunteers for travel costs or other small expenses. Additionally, the bill would reauthorize the National Park System Advisory Board and the National Park Service Concession Management Advisory Board for 10 years. The National Park System Advisory Board was created in 1935 and advises the National Park Service Director and the Secretary of the Interior on programs, such as the designation of historic landmarks and proposed national historic trails. Reauthorizing this board will maintain the excellent management standards set by the National Park Service. The Concession Management Advisory Board was established in 1998, and advises the Director and the Secretary of the Interior on the effective management of concession units within the parks system. Reauthorization of this board is critical to ensure that lodging, transportation, dining and other services remain of the highest quality.