WASHINGTON, DC (March 28, 2017) – The Corps Network, the national association of service and conservation Corps, applauds United States Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Rob Portman (R-OH) for introducing legislation today that would establish a funding stream dedicated to addressing the maintenance backlog at America’s national parks. The National Park Service (NPS) currently faces a list of deferred maintenance projects totaling close to $12 billion.
Mary Ellen Sprenkel, CEO of The Corps Network and Co-Chair of the Partnership for the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC), issued the following statement:
On behalf of America’s 130+ service and conservation Corps, I commend Sen. Warner and Sen. Portman for championing the protection of America’s public lands and cultural sites through introduction of this important legislation. We look forward to working with the Senators to see that this bill is passed.
National parks offer unmatched opportunities to explore our country’s history, cultures and natural treasures. However, decaying infrastructure in our parks threatens the integrity of these cherished sites. National parks belong to all Americans, but deferred maintenance on trails, roads, visitor centers and other infrastructure results in restricted access.
Corps – organizations that engage youth and veterans in service on public lands – are proud to partner with NPS to address deferred maintenance. By engaging Corps, NPS can complete mission critical work at a cost-savings, while also introducing a younger, more diverse generation of Americans to conservation and preservation. Passage of Sen. Warner and Sen. Portman’s funding bill would create opportunities for NPS to engage more Corps participants in the protection of our national parks.
In addition to passing this legislation, we urge Congress to support additional, sustainable strategies to improve our parks through private-public partnerships and other means.
About The Corps Network
The Corps Network provides leadership and support to over 130 of America’s Service and Conservation Corps. Through advocacy, access to funding opportunities and expert guidance, The Corps Network annually enables over 25,000 Corpsmembers, ages 16-25, to strengthen communities, improve the environment and transform their lives through service.
To learn more about The Corps Network, please visit www.corpsnetwork.org.
Media Contact:
Hannah Traverse
The Corps Network
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