Articles

 Following the Department of Interior’s recent decision authorizing states to use state funds to reopen National Parks, Congressman Steve Daines today announced his plans to introduce legislation that would ensure states are reimbursed within 90 days for all state funds spent to pay for National Park operations.

Today, the Department of Interior announced that states would be authorized to use state funds to reopen national parks that have been closed because of the government shutdown. Recognizing the economic importance of National Parks and tourism to many communities in Montana and other states, Daines’ legislation ensures that all states that elect to help fund these operations are reimbursed by the federal government.

“Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks not only represent an important part of Montana’s heritage—they are important drivers of our state’s economy,” Daines stated. “While I’m pleased that the Obama administration has finally relented and allowed individual states to get our National Parks open again, it’s unacceptable that a state like Montana could be forced to bear even more of a financial burden because of Washington’s failures. My legislation will protect states and ensure they receive full compensation for their work to reopen our National Park gates.”

Daines spoke with Montana Governor Steve Bullock this afternoon to share information regarding the Department of Interior’s decision and to discuss Daines’ bill to ensure Montana would be compensated for any state funds spent toward the operations of Glacier or Yellowstone National Parks.

Daines also sent a letter to Bullock, available here, outlining the Department of Interior’s announcement.

Last week, Daines helped introduce legislation that would provide necessary appropriations to keep the country’s National Parks open and accessible to visitors during the government shutdown. The Open Our National Parks and Museum Act, which was passed by the House with bipartisan support, has been blocked by the Senate.