Senate Passes Historic Bill To Improve Land Conservation

Press Release

U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) joined colleagues in passing the Great American Outdoors Act to preserve and protect our nation's public lands. The bipartisan bill, cosponsored by Perdue, would fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and address the nearly $20 billion maintenance backlog on federal public lands.

"Some of America's greatest natural and cultural treasures are found in our state and national parks. These sites provide opportunities for tourism and recreation and deserve to be protected so future generations can enjoy them," said Senator Perdue. "For far too long, important park repairs have been deferred, resulting in a costly maintenance backlog. This bipartisan effort will help address the backlog and improve public land conservation, while supporting quality jobs in our local communities."

In 2018, 11 of Georgia's 15 national parks and historic sites had maintenance costs deferred, causing a $107 million backlog:

Chickamauga National Military Park -- $15.5 million
Fort Pulaski National Monument -- $15.3 million
Andersonville National Historic Site -- $14.7 million
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area -- $13.9 million
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park -- $13.9 million
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park -- $9.2 million
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site -- $8.2 million
Cumberland Island National Seashore -- $7.1 million
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park -- $ 6.8 million
Fort Frederica National Monument -- $2.4 million
The improvements will be funded by federal revenues from the development of oil, gas, coal, or other forms of renewable energy on federal lands and waters.

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