To the Editor,
Montana’s national parks are some of the best in the country,
but they desperately need repairs. Parks across our county, like those in
Montana, are facing unreliable funding, record visitation and aging
infrastructure.
That’s why I am encouraged by a bipartisan
proposal in Congress to address the $12 billion in national parks deferred
maintenance. The Restore Our Parks Act (ROPA) would set aside $6.5 billion over
the next five years to fix dilapidated trails, buildings, roads, bridges,
monuments and historic markers in our parks. Amazingly, 330 members of
the House of Representatives and 43 U.S. Senators—from both parties—are
cosponsoring this effort.
With all this support, you would think this
would be an easy thing for Congress to get done. You’d be mistaken. Despite all
the support for national parks, Congress is still struggling to push this
popular legislation over the finish line.
There is still time, and I hope they get the job
done. Passage of ROPA and full and permanent funding the Land and Water
Conservation Fund are both needed to ensure our parks stay open, safe and
accessible.
Kim Lloyd
Helena, Montana
