Legislation to address the deferred maintenance backlog at the National Park Service (S. 3172) took an important step forward today in passing the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The following is a statement from Stephanie K. Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation:

“Some of our nation’s most iconic historic resources and cultural artifacts are threatened by years of inadequate funding to provide for their preservation. The bipartisan support for this legislation in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives affirms how vital the future of our national parks and public lands is to our heritage and our local economies.

“Only through dedicated and reliable funding like that in the Restore Our Parks Act can the National Park Service save these treasured places currently at risk from permanent damage or loss. We applaud Senators Portman, Warner, Alexander and King for their leadership and commitment to our national parks and look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to secure passage this year”