Introduction

The National Park Service (NPS) was established by Congress in 1916. Its mission is to conserve, unimpaired, the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The NPS is also responsible for managing a variety of national and international programs designed to help extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world. At present, there are 388 units within the National Park System. Approximately 290 million people visited our National Parks in Fiscal Year 2000 (October 1, 1999 - September 30, 2000).

To fulfill its mission, the NPS receives funding from both the Federal appropriations process and other federal revenue sources in the following manner:

Direct Congressional Appropriations: In FY 2002, the NPS is requesting funding from six separate appropriations:

(1) Operation of the National Park System (ONPS): This annual appropriation funds all operational, maintenance, and administrative costs for parks, regional offices, and the Washington D.C. headquarters office. It funds the day-to-day operations of the National Park System. The United States Park Police (USPP) Pension Fund is proposed to be covered under this appropriation in FY 2002 rather than within the USPP appropriation. Also, in FY 2002 funds for repair and rehabilitation projects are requested to be available until expended.

(2) United States Park Police (USPP): This appropriation was created in FY 2001; prior to this it was funded as part of ONPS. The USPP are responsible for performing a full range of law enforcement functions at NPS sites throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan area; Gateway National Recreation Area in New York and New Jersey; and Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California. In FY 2001, both Operations and Pension costs are included within the new appropriation; in FY 2002, only Operations is show as a separate appropriation.

(3) Construction and Major Maintenance: This appropriation is a "no year" appropriation with funds available until expended. These funds support line item construction projects and planning, program oversight, general management planning and special programs such as housing, dam safety, equipment replacement and emergency projects. Planning provides the basic guidance for the management, protection and development of each unit of the NPS and evaluates the potential for adding new units to the System. Note: Most of the NPS's major rehabilitation projects for roads and bridges are accomplished through the Federal Lands Highway Program (in the Department of Transportation Appropriation).

(4) Land Acquisition and State Assistance: Through the use of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, this appropriation funds: (1) the Federal acquisition of land or interest in land within the National Park System; and (2) matching grants to States, territories and local governments for acquisition of parks and open space. Administrative expenses for both programs are also provided. All funds provided from this account are available until expended.

(5) National Recreation and Preservation: These annual funds provide for a broad range of actions related to outdoor recreation planning, technical assistance to State and local governments for recreation projects, heritage area assistance, and historic preservation -- all primarily for resources outside the National Park System. Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) grants and administration were funded within this appropriation in FY 2000, but were once again separately appropriated in FY 2001.

(6) Historic Preservation Fund: This two-year appropriation provides matching grants to, and in partnership with, State and local governments, Indian tribes, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, to help support the identification, evaluation, registration, and preservation of the nation's historic, archeological, and cultural heritage. In addition, there is a grant program to Save America's Treasures, related to the Millenium project. After completion of the intended programs, the Save America's Treasures Program and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program are proposed to be terminated in FY 2002.

Other Federal Revenue Sources: There are a number of revenue sources, authorized by Congress which allow the NPS to retain those funds collected from a variety of sources.

Two examples of such accounts are the Donations and Quarters accounts. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized by Congress to accept donations that are consistent with NPS goals and objectives. Individuals, groups, corporations, and associations can make a contribution for NPS purposes either by direct contribution or by bequest. The Operation and Maintenance of Quarters account is derived from rent paid by NPS employees for government-owned houses and used to offset the cost of maintaining those houses.

The NPS also collects Recreation Fees at over 190 parks. Both admission fees and user fees (such as for guided tours, parking, and campgrounds) are collected. Prior to FY 1997, funds collected were deposited into a special Treasury account and were available for appropriation to the NPS for operational expenses in the year following collection. Funds were appropriated back to the NPS under the Operation of the National Park System appropriation. For FY 1997, Congress provided authority to institute a "Recreational Fee Demonstration Program" at up to 100 sites, areas or projects. All revenue collected at these sites is retained by the National Park Service (80% by the collecting park) and is immediately available, without being subject to appropriation. The Demonstration Program is currently authorized through FY 2002 and is proposed for extension through FY 2006 as part of the President's FY 2002 budget request.

Beginning in FY 1999, Park Concessions Franchise Fees for concessioner activities are retained entirely by the NPS (80% by the collecting park) for visitor services and to fund high-priority and urgently necessary resource management programs and operations.

A Filming and Photography Special Use Fee, recently passed in Congress and signed into law by the President, is expected to go into effect in FY 2001 for the use of NPS lands and facilities for filming, videotaping, sound recording, and still photography. The fee would be sufficient to cover related government costs, including permit processing, cleanup and restoration, and include a fair return to the Government. This fee is not meant to apply to the park visitor with a camera, but rather to commercial filming and other activities on a large scale.

Like most federal agencies, the NPS relies on Federal appropriations to fund its core activities, although there is increasing use of alternative revenue sources, such as fees, to supplement operations. The NPS requests direct Congressional funding and reports on the other Federal revenue sources through an annual budget document submitted to Congress entitled "Budget Justifications", or more popularly called, the "Green Book". Further information such as which Congressional subcommittees review the NPS budget, and the budget cycle can be obtained by clicking on the NPS Budget Process button on the Budget home page.