Department of the Interior Awards $85 Million to Rebuild Historic Trails and Visitor Facilities in 25 National Parks

WASHINGTON, DC — Addressing deferred maintenance backlogs and protecting America’s most iconic natural and cultural landscapes, the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Park Service (NPS) announced the award of $85 million in capital repair grants on Monday through the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), financing major restoration projects across 25 national parks in 18 states.

The federal capital allocations fund critical structural rehabilitations on aging visitor infrastructure that has deteriorated under record-breaking park visitation. Funded projects include the reconstruction of 350 miles of eroded backcountry hiking trails, the complete overhaul of failing municipal wastewater treatment plants in fragile wilderness watersheds, the seismic stabilization of century-old historic stone lodges, and the installation of ADA-accessible boardwalks overlooking thermal and scenic vistas in Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite National Parks.

Preserving Natural Heritage and Protecting Wilderness Watersheds

High-priority projects funded under the $85 million allocation focus on replacing failing underground utility infrastructure that poses environmental risks to national park ecosystems. Key projects include:

• Yellowstone National Park ($24 Million): Replacing the 50-year-old Canyon Village wastewater treatment plant with an advanced membrane bioreactor facility, preventing nitrogen discharges into the Yellowstone River watershed.
• Grand Canyon National Park ($20 Million): Reconstructing structural stone retaining walls and switchback drainage along the heavily traveled Bright Angel Trail.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park ($18 Million): Repairing historic timber bridges and asphalt access roadways damaged by extreme mountain storm flooding.
• Yosemite National Park ($15 Million): Restoring historic stone masonry buildings and installing energy-efficient solar microgrids at Tuolumne Meadows.

"National parks are America's greatest treasures, preserving our history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural wonders for the enjoyment of all people," Interior Secretary Deb Haaland stated during the announcement. "These Legacy Restoration Fund investments fix crumbling trails, upgrade outdated water systems, and ensure that our national parks remain safe, accessible, and pristine for generations of visitors."

National Parks Conservation Association and Tourism Chambers Praise

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Outdoor Industry Association strongly praised the funding awards, noting that every dollar invested in national park infrastructure generates over $10 in local economic activity for gateway communities.

"Addressing critical maintenance backlogs protects irreplaceable wildlife habitat while ensuring millions of park visitors have a safe, world-class experience," said Theresa Pierno, President of NPCA. "Upgrading wastewater plants and stabilizing historic trails preserves these sacred public lands for our children and grandchildren."

Gateway town mayors commended the trail restoration projects for supporting local hotels, restaurants, and outdoor guide businesses.

Project Execution and Trail Construction Timeline

NPS engineering contracts and trail rehabilitation crew deployments will begin during the autumn 2026 shoulder season. Heavy civil wastewater facility construction will proceed through 2027.