President Biden's proposed FY22 budget would provide $3.5 billion for the National Park Service, an increase of roughly 12 percent from current funding/NPS file

President Biden's proposed Fiscal 2022 budget calls for $3.5 billion for the National Park Service, a roughly 12 percent increase from current funding levels, a boost that would allow the agency to add more than 1,000 rangers, expand its science mission, and add a Civilian Conservation Corps to put more workers on the ground repairing park infrastructure.

Some funding also would go to tribal nations for cultural preservation projects, and for expanding the Park Service's interpretation of the Civil Rights history.

“The Interior Department plays an important role in the president’s plan to reinvest in the American people. From bolstering climate resiliency and increasing renewable energy, to supporting Tribal nations and advancing environmental justice, President Biden’s budget will make much-needed investments in communities and projects that will advance our vision for a robust and equitable clean energy future,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said of the funding blueprint that was released Friday.

The Park Service's proposed budget also is seen as a way to afford modernization of parks and park infrastructure, investing in conservation efforts, expanding visitor access, and keeping visitors safe. 

“President Biden’s budget supports efforts across the National Park Service to recover from the pandemic, expand the benefits of the great outdoors to all Americans, and respond to the ongoing challenges of climate change,” said Park Service Deputy Director Shawn Benge. “The proposed National Park Service budget of $3.5 billion, together with another $1.1 billion in mandatory funding, will allow us to make needed improvements to parks across the country, providing our visitors with better experiences and advancing the mission of the National Park Service to preserve and protect these lands unimpaired for future generations.” 

The request was applauded by National Parks Conservation Association President and CEO Theresa Pierno, who said that "as parks continue to experience record visitation, increased funding will be even more critical to meet this demand and provide inspirational visitor experiences."

“Congress made great strides last year, passing legislation that is fixing our parks’ decaying buildings and outdated water systems, supporting the operation of parks and providing hundreds of thousands of much-needed jobs," she added, referring to the Great American Outdoors Act. "But there is more work to be done as parks across the country continue to operate on shoestring budgets while dealing with decreased staffing, record visitation and intensifying threats from climate change."

Pierno called the budget was "bold," and that said that "(I)f enacted by Congress, these funding increases would allow our national parks to finally start digging themselves out of the burdensome financial hole they’ve faced for over a decade. These funding increases would ensure children can continue to learn about our history at Harper’s Ferry and Gettysburg, Yellowstone’s bison and wolves can thrive, and scientists can help address the effects of climate change at Acadia and Glacier."

As outlined by the Interior Department staff, at the Park Service the budget would support: 

• Responding to the Pandemic and Keeping Visitors Safe: The president’s budget provides funding for continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to strengthen visitor safety. This includes a $1 million increase in funding to the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service to expand testing, ensure a strong public health presence in parks, and serve communities’ public health needs across the U.S. The budget also includes a $10 million increase for projects to improve lands, waters and ecosystems across the country impacted by mineral extraction, mitigating hazards to visitors, employees and wildlife. Finally, the budget includes funding to sustain a long-term body worn camera program for law enforcement park rangers and the United States Park Police to enhance public trust and accountability in law enforcement.
• Expanding Visitor Access and Equity: The president’s budget includes increased funding to American Indian Tribes for preservation of their cultural heritage ($8 million increase) and competitive grants targeted at preservation projects related to the African American experience ($5 million increase). The budget includes $10 million in funding for construction at the Selma Interpretive Center for a voting rights center that honors the legacy of Civil Rights leaders, including that of the late Representative John Lewis , as well as $7.5 million to rehabilitate the visitor center at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. 
• Responding to Climate Change and Investing in Conservation: The president’s budget builds much-needed support to respond to climate change and conserve lands and waters. This includes an increase of $14 million to support climate vulnerability assessments and environmental impact planning. These efforts will improve NPS investment decisions by strengthening understanding and management of key climate and environmental threats. Additionally, as climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of many weather-related events, the budget includes a substantial increase in funding for emergency construction projects to ensure that NPS operations can recover more quickly after facilities and resources are damaged or destroyed. The budget also includes increased mandatory funding to support high-priority land acquisition efforts: a proposed 131,572 acres in 33 projects across the United States contributing to the president’s conservation goals. 
• Modernizing Parks and Park Infrastructure: The president’s proposed budget supports park modernization while contributing to the economies of parks’ gateway communities and beyond. The budget devotes $45 million to implement the Civilian Climate Corps, which will create jobs while mobilizing the next generation of conservation and resilience workers. Funding made possible by the Great American Outdoors Act’s National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund will support 36 projects, totaling over $1 billion in gross construction, that will address more than $835 million in deferred maintenance. This funding will improve the condition of roads, buildings, utility systems and other assets in 29 park units located in 14 States and will address critical life, health and safety issues as well as related code compliance and accessibility deficiencies. The budget also includes $20 million to begin replacing the NPS-owned fleet with zero emission vehicles and developing the necessary charging infrastructure across the National Park System.