How Will the President's 2009 Budget Proposal Treat the Park Service?

Published Date

February 2, 2008

How much "green" will the Park Service see in President Bush's Fiscal 2009 budget?

On Monday the president is scheduled to release his budget proposal for the 2009 fiscal year. What will be interesting to see is whether he continues to show some love for the National Park Service.

President Bush's FY08 budget proposal for the parks was widely praised because it contained not just what was dubbed the largest-ever increase in operating funds for the Park Service, but also because it outlined the so-called Centennial Initiative that was intended to prepare the agency for its centennial in 2016.

The initiative was envisioned as a way to generate $3 billion in funds for the Park Service en route to its centennial. One billion would come from private donors, another one billion would come from a federal match of those private dollars, and the third billion dollars would come from ten years of an extra $100 million -- a presidential bump, if you will -- in the agency's budget.

Well, things haven't turned out exactly as President Bush and Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne envisioned, as Congress approved only $25 million in matching funds -- not the $100 million the president requested -- for the initiative. (Of course, Congress has yet to pass the legislation necessary to create the matching program.)

What will be interesting to learn Monday is whether the president still thinks highly of the parks. Preliminary reports concerning the $3 trillion budget proposal say it contains a $2 billion, or 3 percent, cut in funding for the Health and Human Services Department. Education funding would be frozen; not even inflation would be matched. If those two programs fare so poorly, can the Park Service expect to see a bump in its funding?

And let's not forget, the president's FY06 budget contained a $100 million funding cut for the Park Service (one that Congress never approved), and he generated that so-called historic increase in operational funding for the agency in his FY08 proposal by slashing other areas of the Park Service's budget. Further analysis of the '08 proposal revealed other shortfalls and pitfalls.

Any guesses on how the Park Service will fare under his '09 proposal?

Story Categories:

Plight of the Parks

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks